The provincial government has removed the board\u2019s chief executive after a forensic report found alleged governance failures and procurement irregularities at the regulator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Gauteng.- Dr Karabo Mbele<\/strong>, Gauteng Gambling Board CEO,\u00a0has been dismissed with immediate effect following a forensic investigation into alleged misconduct, governance failures and financial irregularities at the provincial gambling regulator. Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa<\/strong> announced the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg on May 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to local reports, the decision follows the release of a forensic report commissioned in 2025 under former MEC Lebogang Maile<\/strong>. The investigation was conducted by an independent legal team led by William Mokhare<\/strong> and completed in January 2026. Ramokgopa said that the report substantiated several whistleblower complaints received after she assumed office in April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The findings against Mbele include alleged interference in funding adjudication processes, approving funding before governance procedures had been completed, authorising payments without supporting documentation, and failing to meet oversight obligations under South Africa\u2019s Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report also made serious findings against chief financial officer Oscar Maripane<\/strong>, who has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. Those findings include alleged procurement irregularities, breakdowns in internal controls, non-compliance with reporting obligations and wider failures in financial governance<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ramokgopa added that the intervention was intended to stabilise the regulator and restore confidence in its governance structures. She noted that the actions taken followed recommendations contained in the forensic report and were not politically motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reports also indicate that the regulator has been operating without a fully constituted board after several members resigned in late 2025, increasing governance pressures within the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The provincial government has since appointed Criselda Venter<\/strong> as acting CEO while disciplinary and administrative processes continue. Authorities have not confirmed whether criminal charges or further legal action will arise from the findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n