Tembisa probe: Maumela linked to R800m but still faces no charges, SIU says

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has linked more than R800 million to a network of front companies connected to the alleged looting at Tembisa Hospital, and has preserved around R325 million in assets yet businessman Hangwani Maumela has not been criminally charged, the SIU says.

What the SIU found

The SIU’s probe uncovered what it described as a massive tender-fraud syndicate at Tembisa Hospital, in which over R2 billion was allegedly looted through irregular contracts. Investigators identified Maumela as a central figure in a network that used more than 40 proxy and front companies to obtain inflated contracts for medical consumables, catering and cleaning services by bypassing procurement procedures.

Assets frozen and seized

As part of an R820 million asset-recovery drive, the SIU said it had frozen and preserved assets valued at about R325 million. Authorities seized multiple luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis, a Bentley and Aston Martins, a $1.9 million boat, and properties in Sandton, Bantry Bay (Cape Town), Ballito and Pecanwood Estate.

Why no criminal charge yet

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the Hawks are probing Maumela’s involvement but that no docket has been formally handed over to issue an arrest warrant. Makgotho also said the SIU has been engaging with the Gauteng Department of Health about blacklisting the companies involved.

Special Tribunal action and a sold Bentley

The SIU recently obtained Special Tribunal orders to seize a R3 million Bentley and to arrest a dealership owner for defying preservation orders. The dealership, Omar Motor Den, and its owner, Yusuf Omar, admitted to selling the Bentley, and the owner has been directed to appear before the Special Tribunal to account for the sale of a restrained asset.

Ongoing investigations and responses

Makgotho said a curator is tracing and seizing identified assets. Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale described the matter as still under investigation and said the Hawks do not disclose identities of persons of interest or suspects during the investigative phase. Mogale said such information will only be made public through legal processes once individuals have appeared before court.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago did not respond to messages and calls about prosecution steps for Tembisa Hospital internal finance and administrative officials.

Voices on accountability

Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said the absence of arrests sends a message that some people are above the law and warned this could fuel speculation about institutional moves. He said the state appears to be struggling to build a “watertight” case against politically connected individuals and linked this pattern to wider concerns about impunity.

Governance and political expert Sandile Swana said Advocate Andy Mothibi should be given time and institutional backing to construct robust cases, suggesting evidence from successful civil actions could be used to prepare criminal prosecutions.

What remains unclear

The SIU statement and reporting make clear assets have been preserved and seizures made, but Maumela has not been charged. The exact status of recovery of the remaining amount tied to the Maumela-linked network is being handled by the appointed curator, according to the SIU.