The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has unveiled a staggering R2 billion fraud scandal involving multiple criminal syndicates at Tembisa Hospital, shaking the foundations of public trust in South Africa’s healthcare system. This extensive inquiry stems from a probe initiated in 2021, following the tragic shooting of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, drawing attention to a web of corruption that has laid waste to public funds.
During a press briefing held at the hospital on Monday, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi revealed the grim scope of the plunder. “We have uncovered three coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion,” Mothibi declared, outlining the depth of the findings. “This represents a devastating plunder of the public purse.”
Central to the investigation are allegations involving businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela, purportedly a nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is reported that Maumela’s network orchestrated the diversion of over R816 million through a staggering 1,728 separate purchase orders, effectively circumventing established procurement protocols. The findings indicate a calculated effort by officials to manipulate procurement processes and keep transaction values under R500,000 to evade scrutiny.
Alongside Maumela, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a convicted criminal, has also been implicated, with his companies allegedly receiving nearly R15 million in fraudulent payments. The SIU’s interim report highlights a systematic exploitation of the Gauteng Department of Health’s procurement policies, raising critical questions about oversight and accountability within public health institutions.
In light of these startling revelations, the SIU has commenced disciplinary actions against 13 officials connected to the fraud, with as many as 116 additional referrals in the pipeline. Asset forfeiture proceedings are now targeting luxury properties and vehicles tied to those caught in the scandal, as the investigation progresses and further arrests are anticipated.
Mothibi reassured the public of the SIU’s commitment to pursuing justice, stating that evidence of criminal conduct uncovered will be instantly referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution. The SIU, empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, also aims to pursue civil action in order to rectify the corruption, fraud, and maladministration revealed by the investigation. Mothibi emphasised the need for lifestyle audits for public officials alongside providing protection for whistleblowers and investigators dedicated to uncovering such corruption.
The interim report has pinpointed several key individuals at the centre of this debacle:
- Hangwani Morgan Maumela & Vusi “Cat” Matlala: Tenders worth R816 million+
- Rudolf Mazibuko: Tenders worth R283 million+
- Individual X: Tenders worth R596 million+
As the SIU continues to piece together the complex web of deceit and fraud, the public remains alert to the implications of these findings.