Pretoria: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed the existence of three coordinated syndicates allegedly responsible for embezzling over R2 billion allocated for healthcare at Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni. This revelation comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into corruption at the facility.
According to South African Government News Agency, the SIU’s head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, addressed the media at Tembisa Hospital, where an interim report on the investigation was released. Mothibi stated that the investigation had uncovered complex fraudulent activities and corrupt practices involving officials and service providers. The investigation, initiated in September 2022 at the request of the Office of the Premier, has scrutinized at least 2,207 procurement bundles.
Key officials from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) and Tembisa Hospital are accused of receiving corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular appointment of service providers. The investigation has identified 207 service providers linked to 4,501 purchase orders. Each order purportedly involved a three-quote procurement process with three competing bidders.
The identified syndicates include the Maumela, Mazibuko, and X syndicates. The Maumela syndicate is associated with Hangwani Morgan Maumela, and the Mazibuko syndicate with Rudolph Mazibuko. The investigation into the X syndicate is ongoing.
The SIU is examining 1,728 bundles worth R816,560,710 related to the Maumela syndicate, having completed 924 analyses that exposed significant irregularities. Additionally, 41 suppliers connected to Maumela have been traced, with contracts valued at R13,538,292 linked to Vusimuzi Matlala.
For the Mazibuko syndicate, the SIU reviewed 651 bundles valued at R283,504,291, uncovering assets worth R42,646,502, including properties in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Investigations into the X syndicate involve 1,237 procurement bundles worth R596,424,356.
Beyond these syndicates, the SIU has identified other groups looting millions from the hospital. Evidence shows corrupt payments totaling R122,228,000 linked to officials and employees of GDOH and Tembisa Hospital.
The SIU identified at least 15 current and former officials engaging in corruption, money laundering, and bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers. The number of officials identified is expected to rise as the investigation continues, spanning from entry-level clerks to management-level positions.
The SIU has made 116 disciplinary referrals against 13 officials, with 108 referrals delivered to the GDOH regarding maladministration and irregular service provider appointments.
Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized that such corruption was facilitated by complicit officials within the hospital and Gauteng Health Department. He stressed the importance of protecting whistleblowers and removing corrupt individuals from society.