KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Health Peggy Nkonyeni is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, apparently over the disappearance of a hospital mammogram machine, the province's health department said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Chris Maxon confirmed that Nkonyeni would appear in court but said it was unknown what charges she faced or which court she would appear in.

"Once she appears in court, then we will know what the full charges are," he told Sapa.

Sapa has reliably learnt that she would appear in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court.

Maxon said through information he had received, it was understood the charges were related to a missing mammogram machine.

Leon Mbangwa, the health department's head of communication, said it was strongly believed that the move to charge Nkonyeni was "a political ploy.

"We are dismayed that the Scorpions have been sitting with this information for months and they only act now... "

In April this year, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tlali Tlali told Sapa the province's health department was being investigated and that a missing mammogram machine was found in former head of department Busi Nyembezi's office.

The machine, used to scan for breast cancer, was subsequently seized by the NPA.

A case had been opened with police on the disappearance of the device.

Nyembezi was suspended amid allegations of fraud.

The ANC's response

On Tuesday, Tlali Tlali was unable to confirm whether or not formal charges had been laid against Nkonyeni or provide any details.

Said Mbangwa: "The MEC is the political head of the department and has nothing to do with administration issues... only the accounting officer is responsible for all those activities."

In a statement, the ANC said it was aware for some time that Nkonyeni was being investigated and that there was an "intention to charge her.

"The ANC will allow the law to take its course on the matter. MEC Nkonyeni however remains innocent until proven otherwise and will in the meantime continue carrying out her duties as MEC in government and within the organisation."

Lionel Mtshali, Inkatha Freedom Party caucus leader for KZN, said: "We are naturally pleased that the Scorpions charged Peggy Nkonyeni in time before their dissolution. This case is yet another proof that South Africa needs a corruption-busting unit and that the demise of the Scorpions cannot be justified."

Sapa