The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed yesterday afternoon that more than R2b has been looted from Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni through three co-ordinated syndicates.

Kempton Express reports that the staggering figure, earmarked for healthcare services for vulnerable communities, was instead siphoned off through a web of fraud and corruption.

“Today, the SIU is releasing our interim report on our Tembisa Hospital investigation.

“The release of the interim report is informed by the complexity of the investigation, which requires further work.

“As complex as it is, we have been able to uncover irregularities, fraudulent activities and corrupt practices by officials and service providers,” said SIU head Adv Andy Mothibi.

He added that the SIU’s collaboration with the minister of health has also exposed wrongdoing in other areas, such as investigations at Home Affairs’ refugee centres and medico-legal claims, with further reports expected soon.

The SIU has been probing Tembisa Hospital since September 2022, after a referral from the office of the Premier.

Mothibi’s interim report implicated three syndicates:

• Maumela syndicate: Linked to Hangwani Morgan Maumela, the SIU is reviewing 1 728 procurement bundles worth R816.5m. Of these, 924 have been analysed, revealing significant irregularities. Forty-one suppliers were linked to Maumela, with three companies tied to Vusimuzi Matlala receiving contracts worth more than R13.5m.

Mazibuko syndicate: Tied to Rudolph Mazibuko, investigators examined 651 bundles valued at R283.5m. Completed analyses revealed assets worth R42.6m, including multiple properties in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Syndicate X: Still under review, this network is linked to 1 237 procurement bundles valued at R596.4m. Analysis of 646 bundles uncovered irregular procurement practices, with secondary conduit accounts used to launder funds. Assets linked to this syndicate are estimated at R150m.

So far, the SIU has traced corrupt payments of R122.2m directly to officials and employees of the Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital.

Mothibi stressed that the investigation is ongoing and rejected proposals to extend the final deadline to 2027, insisting the probe must be concluded in 2026.

Joining the SIU briefing were Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

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