AFU cracks down on Tembisa Hospital fraud syndicates, seizes properties and luxury vehicles worth over R360 million
The AFU has successfully secured two preservation orders against members of syndicates implicated in extensive fraud at Tembisa Hospital.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured two preservation orders against members of syndicates implicated in extensive fraud at Tembisa Hospital.
These developments follow an investigation triggered by a damning report from the late Babita Deokaran, whose August 2021 assassination sparked outrage and calls for accountability in the face of rampant corruption.
Deokaran, who was the Chief Director of Financial Accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health, detailed serious procurement irregularities concerning Tembisa Hospital's Supply Chain Management. Her report laid bare a series of alarming financial transgressions and initiated a comprehensive audit by the Specialised Audit Services Unit (SAS) of the National Treasury (NT).
NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane said on August 14, 2025, the AFU was granted an order to seize assets valued at around R326 million, belonging to members of the Maumela syndicate.
Mjonondwane added that the order encompasses premium properties in affluent regions, along with luxury vehicles, including four Lamborghinis, a Bentley, and a boat. Subsequently, on August 27, 2025, another order targeted assets totalling at least R47 million related to the Mazibuko syndicate, which includes high-end residential properties and luxury cars worth over R10 million.
"The applications by the AFU are premised on forensic investigations by firms appointed to assist in the investigation concerning allegations of procurement fraud and corruption that took place at the Tembisa Hospital during the period from January 2019 to August 2022," she said.
She added that investigations highlighted that funds acquired by these syndicates were predominantly funnelled into personal assets, bribes, and extravagant lifestyles, rather than supplying the necessary goods and services to the hospital.
Advocate Ouma Rabaji-Rasethaba, Deputy National Director of the NPA responsible for the AFU, remarked on the importance of these proceedings, asserting that each instance of corruption only exacerbates the challenges faced by ordinary South Africans.
"When there is no water, when there is no electricity, no textbooks, no medication, no hospitals, we are all suffering,’ she said.
She added that denying South Africans healthcare including medication in hospitals is a travesty of justice.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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