Johannesburg: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is resolute in its mission to recover every cent unlawfully taken from the public funds due to corruption and fraud at Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng. The unit is actively pursuing assets linked to a criminal syndicate that allegedly operated within the hospital, with the aim of returning the stolen money to the public purse.

According to South African Government News Agency, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi announced that the unit has secured a preservation order for approximately R900 million worth of assets connected to the alleged criminal activities at the hospital. This order is part of the SIU’s broader efforts to dismantle a syndicate that reportedly misappropriated around R2 billion intended for healthcare service improvements at Tembisa Hospital. Mothibi emphasized the importance of recovering assets believed to be the proceeds of corruption and highlighted the unit’s determination to hold those involved accountable, despite attempts to hide behind complex corporate and trust structures.

In recent developments, the SIU successfully secured assets valued at about R133.5 million from Hangwani Maumela, identified as one of the key figures in the Tembisa Hospital corruption scheme. The assets, collected from a Sandhurst property and an Emalahleni dealership, include a luxury property, high-end vehicles such as Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, a Ferrari, and a Rolls-Royce, as well as other valuable items.

The SIU further detailed that an agreement was reached with a Mpumalanga dealership to provide surety in the form of two immovable properties valued at approximately R35 million. This agreement was made to prevent the removal of luxury cars from the dealership after they were attached by the curator. The secured assets will remain under the control of a Curator appointed by the Special Tribunal until the conclusion of up to 41 main civil recovery proceedings. The SIU aims to initiate the first of these proceedings within 60 court days, with the goal of eventually forfeiting the assets to the State.