The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has raided the lavish Sandton residence of businessman Hangwani Maumela, in connection with the R2 billion corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital. The operation, which took place on Thursday, was part of the SIU’s ongoing efforts to implement its recommendations outlined in its recently released interim report.
During the raid, investigators reportedly seized three Lamborghinis, a massage parlour, and high-value artwork, all believed to be linked to the proceeds of irregular contracts uncovered at the hospital. The SIU confirmed that the raid and asset attachment formed part of its broader mandate to recover state funds lost through corruption and maladministration.
R2 Billion Looting at Tembisa Hospital
The raid follows shocking revelations in the SIU’s interim report, which exposed widespread procurement fraud and embezzlement totalling more than R2 billion at Tembisa Hospital. The funds were allegedly siphoned through a network of irregular tenders and inflated contracts issued to private companies connected to politically linked individuals.
Among those named by the SIU as having benefitted from the corrupt dealings are Hangwani Maumela, Vusimuzi Matlala, and Rudolph Mazibuko. The trio allegedly secured lucrative tenders through questionable procurement processes that bypassed standard oversight mechanisms.
Maumela, who is a nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa through a previous marriage, has not yet issued a public response to the SIU’s findings.
Earlier Raids and Asset Seizures
In August, the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) raided properties belonging to both Maumela and Mazibuko, valued at approximately R326 million and R47 million, respectively. These earlier actions were linked to the same corruption network that implicated senior officials and suppliers associated with the hospital.
The Tembisa Hospital scandal gained national attention following the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who served as the Chief Director of Financial Accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health. Deokaran was assassinated outside her home on 23 August 2021, shortly after exposing irregular payments and fraudulent transactions linked to the hospital.
Civil Society and Political Reactions
The raid has been widely welcomed by civil society organisations and opposition leaders, who say the SIU’s actions are a necessary step toward accountability.
Accountability Now director Paul Hoffman praised the SIU for taking decisive action, explaining that its role is primarily to seize and recover assets derived from corruption.
“The SIU, which is not part of the criminal justice administration, has a mandate to get back the money. Their job is to seize and freeze the proceeds of crime,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman also raised concerns that some of those implicated might enjoy political protection, pointing out Maumela’s family connection to President Ramaphosa.
“Maumela is the nephew of the President, and that raises concerns that some individuals may feel above the law. But everyone must be held accountable,” he added.
Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) chief executive Wayne Duvenage echoed similar sentiments, arguing that law enforcement should have acted much sooner.
“Those who were responsible for the looting at Tembisa Hospital should have been held accountable long ago. It’s better late than never, but we now need the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to press charges and ensure people go to prison,” Duvenage said.
Calls for Prosecution and Systemic Reform
Dr Karl Willem du Pré le Roux, a Democratic Alliance (DA) member serving on the Police Portfolio Committee, said the publication of the SIU’s report and the subsequent raids suggest a growing willingness to tackle corruption within the public health sector.
“Any action to combat corruption is welcomed. Now that the SIU report has been made public, there seems to be a determination to ensure accountability,” he said.
“However, there is still much to be done. Ultimately, people must be prosecuted and face the consequences of their actions.”
Despite repeated requests for comment, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago did not respond.
A Long Road Ahead
While the SIU’s raids mark an important step in recovering stolen funds, analysts warn that asset seizures alone are not enough. For justice to be served, criminal prosecutions must follow, particularly in cases where whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran paid the ultimate price for exposing corruption.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely — waiting to see whether South Africa’s long fight against state capture and health sector corruption will finally lead to lasting accountability.
