Special Tribunal clears sale of Maumela-linked Ferrari in Tembisa probe

Order follows preservation and opposition

The vehicle, which was purchased for R11.1 million in April 2022 and has been under preservation at Ferrari South Africa, was the subject of an application by the curator. The Maumela Family Trust and Maumela opposed the application, arguing the car was an appreciating asset.

Court found costs would outweigh preservation

Special Tribunal President Judge Bernard Ngoepe found that cumulative expenses related to the vehicle justified a sale. The judge said there were sufficient grounds to authorise the sale and dismissed a counterclaim to remove the curator, also ordering Maumela to pay costs.

Costs cited by Ferrari South Africa

Ferrari South Africa submitted a bid of R9.5 million, pointing to ongoing monthly storage costs of R5,000, insurance premiums of R8,333, a R104,857 battery replacement and R408,000 for warranty renewal.

Proceeds to be preserved

Judge Ngoepe said proceeds invested in an interest-bearing account could preserve and potentially enhance the asset’s value. The tribunal authorised the curator to sell the Ferrari for no less than R9.5 million, with the proceeds deposited into a special trust account.

SIU response and wider probe

The ruling links the luxury vehicle to the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) R2 billion probe into alleged corruption and maladministration at Tembisa Hospital and the Gauteng Department of Health. The SIU says evidence pointing to possible criminal conduct has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.

“The SIU welcomes the Special Tribunal’s decision to authorise the sale of the Ferrari. The purpose of preservation is to protect the value of assets pending the finalisation of legal proceedings, and this judgment provides a prudent mechanism to achieve that objective while avoiding unnecessary and ongoing costs,”

SIU Acting Head Leonard Lekgetho

Links to whistle‑blower report and forensic review

The tribunal’s decision forms part of investigations that trace back to a report by senior Gauteng health official Babita Deokaran, who was assassinated on 23 August 2021 after flagging suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital. Deokaran’s report identified companies benefiting from inflated and fraudulent contracts.

A forensic review by National Treasury’s Specialised Audit Services confirmed that 14 entities tied to Maumela unlawfully secured contracts worth more than R400 million between 2019 and 2022. The review found evidence of cover‑quoting, manipulated bidding and payments diverted away from hospital supplies.

Assets and next steps

The Ferrari is among several luxury vehicles preserved under a Special Tribunal order issued in September 2025 pending the finalisation of the main application in the SIU’s probe.

The tribunal authorised the sale, directed that proceeds be held in an interest‑bearing account and ordered Maumela to pay costs. Evidence from the SIU investigation has been referred for further action.