Whistle-blowers have expressed disbelief after 10 hospital officials suspended following a sex-for-jobs and jobs-for-sale scandal have returned to work following a seven month suspension, reports iol.co.za. 

A union member stated: “We worked hard to gather information over the past couple of years. It was the volume of evidence that led to their suspension.”

Anonymous sources, who fear victimisation, said the recruitment irregularities had surfaced as far back as 2007 and increased over the years. Cleaners, laundry workers, porters, and mortuary attendants had been the target of the alleged corruption.

Organised labour gathered evidence, interviewed victims and beneficiaries, and got sworn statements. These were presented to management early last year.

“But they ignored us, promising to investigate but doing nothing,” a union member stated.

More interviewees, whose employment had been confirmed and then revoked at the last minute, came forward and admitted to having paid or had sex to secure a job.

According to sources, the amounts paid ranged from ZAR 3,500 (USD 316) to ZAR 7,500 (USD 678).

After a meeting in February 2014, where some victims and beneficiaries spoke openly of the corrupt acts, management was forced to take action, and 17, including a director, were suspended.

“Many were called to testify during the hearings, presenting irrefutable evidence, so we were shocked when told that 10 would be back,” a union member commented.