THE Gauteng Department of Health is mourning the death of former Thembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital CEO Ashely Mthunzi, who was also known as "Mr Skinny Jeans".
Mthunzi's death was announced by his wife, Lerato Mthunzi, on her social media page.
She said her husband died on Tuesday, 23 April, after a short illness.
Health department head of communication Motalatale Modiba said they've learnt with sadness about the untimely death of Mthunzi.
"The department extends the deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Dr Mthunzi as they navigate through this difficult period of mourning," he said.
Mthunzi was Thembisa Hospital's CEO until he was placed on precautionary suspension by the department after he was accused of corruption in 2022.
He was suspended following media investigations, which revealed that murdered whistle-blower Babita Deokaran tried to stop R100 million "possibly corrupt" contracts at the hospital and flagged other transactions worth R850 million.
Some funds were allegedly to buy 200 pairs of skinny jeans, which amounts to R2 500 per pair for the hospital.
According to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation report released in December 2022, Dr Mthunzi was responsible for authorising the purchase order request forms, which led to the irregular appointment of 13 service providers.
The crime watchdogs said the finding was based on the 27 payment documents it received and analysed.
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