By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) addresses South African citizens on the outcomes of the investigation regarding corruption taking place at Tembisa Hospital.
Advocate Andy Mothibi, who serves as the head of the SIU is expected to lead the briefing as well as release an interim report which will be joined by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi-Minister of Health, Panyaza Lesufi-Gauteng Premier and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko MEC for Health.
“This media briefing is a significant step in the SIU’s investigation, providing the public and stakeholders with a formal update on the investigation progress and findings to date.
The release of the interim report underscores the commitment to transparency and accountability in this matter” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Babita Deokaran who served as Chief Director of Financial Accounting for the Gauteng Health Department, was the one who blew the whistle on corruption and was murdered after taking her child to school.
There were reports of a syndicate that was looting millions of rands from the hospital. An investigation conducted by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had received a report compiled by the late Babita Deokaran.
The report implicated the nephew of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Hangwani Maumela, who was the president’s nephew from a previous marriage.
Maumela had garnered a staggering R415 million via contracts received from Tembisa Hospital as per the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) after they had seized Maumela’s assets.
President Ramaphosa has chosen to not acknowledge Maumela going as far as distancing himself from him in Parliament.
The National Treasury’s Specialised Audit Service Unit had been prompted to dive deeper into the report submitted by Deokaran and had confirmed her allegations of corruption as 14 entities that were under the control of the Maumela syndicate had benefitted from the contracts worth R415 million and 18 entities that were under Rudolph Mazibuko’s syndicate had been benefiting from R300 million.
“The special investigating unit (SIU) can reveal that there is a devastating plunder of the public purse, which we found in our probe into Tembisa Hospital, uncovering coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 million.” as per the media statement released by the SIU.
“Maumela’s identified assets amount to around R250,000,000 including luxury vehicles and properties valued at R293,434,000. Notable properties include a R75,000,000 property in Bantry Bay and various others in Gauteng. The SIU has assisted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit in preserving some of Maumela’s assets.” the statement said further.
Some of the assets preserved include his property in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Property in Hartebeespoort, two properties in Sandton, Property in Zimbali estate in Ballito and Two Twin Towers property in Cape Town. His vehicles include his Lamborghini Urus Aventador, Lamborghini Huracan and his Lamborghini Aventador Ultimate Coupe.