Welcoming AFU asset seizures linked to Tembisa Hospital contracts; calls for expedited prosecutions and systemic reforms
- Digital Comms Team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
MEDIA STATEMENT
Johannesburg, 11 September 2025 — Public Interest SA notes and welcomes the significant strides made by South Africa’s law-enforcement agencies in pursuing those alleged to have plundered scarce public health resources at Tembisa Hospital. The coordinated action by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), working with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and supported by National Treasury, is a meaningful step toward rebuilding public trust in the criminal justice system and re-affirming that no one is above the law.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the AFU has secured preservation orders and seized assets valued at approximately R326 million from Mr Hangwani Maumela and members of his family, including high-end residential properties and luxury vehicles — among them four Lamborghinis, a Bentley, and a boat. In a related action, the AFU executed a preservation order against Mr Rudolph Mazibuko, covering property valued at about R47 million, including luxury real estate and vehicles (notably three Mercedes-Benz vehicles collectively worth around R10 million and a R2-million Land Rover). These developments follow reports that fourteen companies linked to Maumela received at least R415 million in contracts from Tembisa Hospital — transactions that were flagged by the late Babita Deokaran, Gauteng Health’s chief accountant, only weeks before her assassination in August 2021.
Public Interest SA commends the AFU, SIU, and National Treasury for their collaborative approach. We also acknowledge the vital role of investigative journalism in surfacing red flags in this matter. Importantly, preservation orders are civil remedies and do not amount to findings of criminal guilt; all individuals named remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nevertheless, asset preservation is an essential first step to ensure that suspected proceeds of corruption are not dissipated before trial.
While today’s actions are encouraging, they must mark the beginning — not the end — of consequence management within the Gauteng Department of Health. We therefore call for:
Expedited criminal proceedings flowing from SIU referrals and AFU investigations, with measurable timelines published to the public.
Recovery and ring-fencing of proceeds for direct reinvestment into priority needs at Tembisa Hospital (e.g., maternal and neonatal care, oncology, and essential equipment).
Blacklisting and debarment of implicated entities and directors, alongside lifestyle audits of responsible officials and real-time beneficial-ownership disclosure across provincial procurement.
Open-contracting reforms (including publication of tender documents, evaluation scores, and contract performance data) to close avenues for repeat abuse.
Strengthened whistleblower protection, including emergency support and secure reporting channels, in lasting tribute to the courage of Babita Deokaran and others who speak up at great personal risk.
Public Interest SA will continue to monitor these matters and engage the relevant authorities to ensure justice is not only done, but seen to be done — and that the health system’s integrity is restored for the people it exists to serve.
ENDS
Media contact:
Public Interest SA
Communications Desk
