SIU uncovers over R2bn looted from Tembisa Hospital by three syndicates
SIU reveals that over R2b has been looted in Tembisa Hospital.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed on September 29 that its probe into Tembisa Hospital has uncovered a devastating plunder of public funds, with three coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2b.
The staggering sum, intended to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable, was instead siphoned off through a complex web of fraud and corruption.
“The SIU’s decision to release an interim report on the Tembisa Hospital probe reflects its complexity and the need for further work.
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“Despite the complexity, we have uncovered irregularities, fraud, and corruption involving officials and service providers,” said SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi.
He explained that the SIU’s collaboration with the Minister of Health has helped uncover wrongdoing and corruption in other areas, including the Home Affairs Refugee Centres and medico-legal matters. Interim reports on these probes will be released in due course.
In the Tembisa Hospital case, the SIU has worked closely with the Office of the Premier since September 2022, after the office referred the matter for investigation.
Mothibi’s presentation implicated syndicates such as the Maumela and Mazibuko groups, with corrupt payments to officials and employees of the Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital exceeding R122m.
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Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said the revelations were deeply troubling.
“If those who are elected to fulfil public matters are the ones stealing from the public, then who can the people trust? In this situation, we have big fish and small fish. Everyone chases the big fish, but the smaller ones also cause serious damage.
“These people are getting money for hospital services but using it for personal wealth, driving luxury cars while hospitals suffer. It is painful when public funds are misused, as trust in leadership is lost,” he said.
Mothibi emphasised that the investigation is still ongoing and told his team that deadlines must be taken seriously.
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The SIU has requested a deadline of November 2027, but Mothibi said he would not approve that timeline and will ensure the investigation concludes in 2026.
Sidebar
Three syndicates are behind the looting
Maumela Syndicate
• Linked to: Hangwani Morgan Maumela
• Value under review: R816.5m
• Bundles analysed: 924 of 1 728
• Findings: 41 suppliers identified; contracts worth R13.5m linked to Vusimuzi Matlala.
Mazibuko Syndicate
• Linked to: Rudolph Mazibuko
• Value under review: R283.5m
• Bundles analysed: 392 of 651
• Findings: Assets worth R42.6m, including multiple properties in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Syndicate X
• Value under review: R596.4m
• Bundles analysed: 646 of 1 237
• Findings: Procurement irregularities uncovered; funds laundered through secondary conduit accounts; assets valued at approximately R150m.
Total corrupt payments traced to officials and staff: R122.2m.
