SIU Vows to Recover Every Cent in Massive Tembisa Hospital Corruption Crackdown
South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is ramping up efforts to reclaim billions allegedly looted from Tembisa Hospital through a complex web of fraud and corruption. SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi has declared a firm commitment to “claw back every cent” stolen from public funds, following a Special Tribunal order to preserve assets worth approximately R900 million linked to an alleged criminal syndicate. The operation, which began with raids targeting key figures, aims to dismantle networks that diverted resources meant for improving healthcare services, leaving patients to suffer amid shortages and deteriorating facilities.
The scandal, uncovered through investigations spanning several years, involves three syndicates accused of siphoning off around R2 billion between 2020 and 2022. This has not only drained public coffers but also highlighted systemic failures in procurement processes at the Gauteng hospital. As of 12 October 2025, the SIU’s proactive steps signal a turning point in holding those responsible accountable, with civil recovery proceedings set to follow.
Raids Target Alleged Mastermind’s Luxury Assets
In a high-profile move, the SIU executed raids on 9 October 2025, securing assets valued at R133.5 million on the first day alone. The focus was on businessman Hangwani Maumela, identified as one of the alleged masterminds behind the looting. Teams from the SIU, supported by the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police, and a court-appointed curator, targeted a mansion in Sandhurst and a dealership in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.
Among the preserved items from the Sandhurst property were household contents estimated at R3 million and additional security assets worth R500,000. The mansion itself is valued at around R70 million. At the dealership, authorities attached luxury vehicles including two Aston Martins, one Ferrari, one Rolls-Royce, and three Lamborghinis collectively worth R25 million. On a without-prejudice basis, the dealership provided two immovable properties valued at R35 million as surety, allowing the cars to remain in place temporarily while under attachment.
These seizures are part of a broader strategy to prevent the dissipation of assets acquired through illicit means. The SIU alleges that Maumela’s companies received over R80 million in questionable tenders for overpriced or undelivered goods and services at Tembisa Hospital. Mothibi emphasised that complex corporate and trust structures will not shield individuals from recovery efforts.
Broader Syndicate Operations and Financial Impact
The investigation has exposed how syndicates colluded with hospital officials to inflate prices and bypass procurement rules. Tenders for items like cleaning supplies, medical equipment, and basic services were awarded at exorbitant rates, diverting funds earmarked for patient care. This not only compromised healthcare quality but also contributed to shortages that affected vulnerable communities in Ekurhuleni.
Earlier raids in August 2025 targeted properties linked to Maumela and others, preserving assets worth R326 million and R47 million respectively. The total scope of the probe covers up to 41 civil recovery cases, with the first to be instituted within 60 court days. Once concluded, preserved assets will be forfeited to the state, potentially injecting much-needed funds back into Gauteng’s health system.
Mothibi reiterated the SIU’s determination: “The orders are a critical step in our commitment to claw back every cent that was stolen from the public purse, specifically Tembisa Hospital. This is not merely a preservation but a proactive, intensive effort to trace, secure, and ultimately recover assets that we allege are the proceeds of corruption.”
Human Cost and Calls for Justice
The looting has had devastating effects on Tembisa Hospital, where patients face overcrowded wards, medicine shortages, and unhygienic conditions. Whistleblower Babita Deokaran, the hospital’s former chief financial officer, flagged these irregularities before her assassination in August 2021, believed to be linked to her exposés.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has echoed calls for swift prosecutions, with Gauteng health spokesperson Jack Bloom urging the recovery of funds to repair facilities. “We want the money that can be recovered to go back to the Gauteng health department so they can fix hospitals like Tembisa where patients are suffering because there is far too much stealing taking place,” Bloom said.
Civil society groups and experts have praised the SIU’s actions but stress the need for criminal charges alongside asset recovery. The scandal ties into national anti-corruption drives, with implications for governance in public health procurement.
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