Corruption charges resurface in UKZN medical school admissions scandal

A corruption case involving a Durban couple, their co-accused and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is back in court, resurfacing after being struck off the court roll seven years ago.

Varsha and her husband Hiteshkumar Bhatt, and Preshni Hiramun this week appeared in the Durban Regional Court, along with Muhammad Haniff, Bhavik Bhatt, Salman Noor Mohamed and Mirriam Cassim.

In 2018 a magistrate withdrew the charges against Varsha and Hiteshkumar Bhatt and Hiramun after the State called for an adjournment. They were all summoned to appear in court this week.

All seven accused are charged with corruption.

According to the charge sheet the accused are facing a criminal offence of contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Activities Act with the charges stemming from incidents between February and March 2017.

The state alleged that at or near the university's Westville campus, the accused offered money, as much as up to R50, 000 to Ruth Sekati, a senior education IT specialist at UKZN to manipulate UKZN's IT system.

The scheme purportedly aimed to facilitate the admission of individuals into the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme, despite their matric results or points not qualifying them to be admitted to the discipline.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, said after the matter was withdrawn from the court roll, further investigations were carried out.

"These have now been completed and have resulted in the re-enrolment of the matter. The accused have been charged with corruption.

"All the accused are on warning. The case returns to court on March 3, 2026 for a pre-trial conference," said Ramkisson-Kara.

Rajesh Singh of Roy Singh Attorneys, who is representing the Bhatts, said they were highly disappointed that after so many years the matter has resurfaced.

"My clients are confident that they will be acquitted and that the matter will be put to rest," said Rajesh.

Haniff's lawyer, Sandeep Singh from RS Attorneys INC, said his client was shocked and surprised by this arrest.

"He is not certain why his name is being dragged into this matter after so many years. He will fight this matter to the end to clear his name," said Sandeep.

Jacques Botha, Hiramun's legal representative, said the delays in the matter left much to be desired.

"Based on the charge sheet the case should have been wrapped up within six to eight months of it first being opened. I have not seen the docket yet," added Botha.

The ongoing saga is rooted in a wider investigation into admissions irregularities at UKZN's medical school.

UKZN in 2021 revealed that they had spent more than R73 million on Operation Clever — a four-year investigation into allegations of “places for sale” at its medical school, as well as other corrupt activities.

This followed a Sunday Tribune investigation in 2016 exposing the claims of bribery to secure placement at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

In a statement released four years ago, the university said 31 employees were implicated and had been suspended, with students and external parties also implicated.

The information was revealed after Visham Panday launched a court application in terms of the access to information legislation in which he sought a copy of the final investigation report and other details relating to the probe.

According to the statement, the cost of the investigation at the time was R73, 560, 829.00, which comprised of:

Security services to preserve and protect evidence pertinent to the investigation.

Security services to protect the investigator, including accommodation at a safe house.

Necessary “covert operations”.

Forensic specialists.

“The KPMG report, commissioned in 2016 by previous Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Albert Van Jaarsveld, focused on allegations of corruption involving admissions to the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, as well as colleges and university operations.

"The University at the time uncovered a criminal syndicate working together with a small number of UKZN employees to admit students to the medical school. The internal investigation was concluded, and the matter was handed over to the State criminal prosecuting authorities in 2017, including the Hawks, for further investigation and possible criminal prosecution," said Normah Zondo, Executive Director of Corporate Relations, in the statement issued in 2021.

Last month UKZN came under the spotlight again when the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education discovered "worrying" governance failures  where a private security company allegedly 'captured' the university's Risk Management Services. 

A former employee who apparently resigned amid facing disciplinary charges, reportedly returned to control campus security operations through Ungoti Security Services, raising concerns about student safety and financial irregularities.

Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie made the finding during an oversight visit to the university’s Westville campus. The outcome of Letsie's follow up discussions with UKZN's management is yet to be revealed.

UKZN has faced recurring scrutiny over governance and procurement in recent years. In 2020, the university was rocked by allegations of irregular tender processes within its supply chain division, while student and staff unions have repeatedly complained about poor oversight in security and maintenance contracts.

In May 2023, three former UKZN staff members and three former student leaders were arrested and charged with fraud involving an R80 million scheme.

The group, which included former SRC presidents, was accused of allegedly scamming landlords for a cut of student accommodation payments.

Charges against five of the accused were withdrawn in October of the same year.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE