Asset Forfeiture Unit Seizes R400 Million in Assets from Tembisa Hospital Tender Kingpins

TEMBISA, GATENG - The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has executed significant preservation orders against prominent businessmen linked to the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal, freezing assets worth nearly R400 million belonging to Hangwani Maumela and Rudolph Mazibuko.

Major Asset Seizures Target Healthcare Corruption Network

In a coordinated enforcement action, South Africa's Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured preservation orders against two key figures in the Tembisa Hospital corruption investigation. The seized assets represent one of the largest forfeitures in recent healthcare-related corruption cases.

Hangwani Maumela Asset Seizure Details:

• Total value: Approximately R326 million in preserved assets
• Properties: High-end residential properties in affluent areas
• Vehicles: Four Lamborghinis, one Bentley, and a luxury boat
• Additional assets: Three Mercedes Benzes worth R10 million and a R2-million Land Rover

Rudolph Mazibuko Preservation Order:

• Total value: Approximately R47 million in frozen assets
• Properties: Luxury residential properties
• Vehicles: Multiple high-end vehicles including premium automotive brands

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Connection to Babita Deokaran Murder Investigation

The asset forfeiture actions are directly linked to the investigation into the assassination of Gauteng Health Department chief accountant Babita Deokaran. The whistleblower was murdered in August 2021, just weeks after flagging suspicious activities involving Maumela and Mazibuko's business interests at East Rand Hospital.

AFU head Advocate Ouma Rabaji-Rasethaba emphasized the collaborative nature of the investigation, stating that the outcome "demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts by government agencies working together in the fight for justice."

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Tembisa Hospital Tender Scandal Exposed

The preservation orders stem from extensive investigations into corrupt tender processes at Tembisa Hospital. Key findings include:

• R415 million in contracts: Fourteen companies linked to Maumela secured substantial contracts from Tembisa Hospital
• Syndicate operations: Both Maumela and Mazibuko controlled multiple companies engaged in trade with the medical facility
• Systemic corruption: The investigation revealed organized tender manipulation and fraudulent contract awards

Political Connections and Presidential Response

The case has attracted significant political attention due to Hangwani Maumela's family connections. Maumela is President Cyril Ramaphosa's nephew from a previous marriage, adding complexity to the high-profile corruption case.

President Ramaphosa previously distanced himself from the controversial businessman, stating in Parliament: "I don't even know this gentleman," demonstrating the administration's commitment to addressing corruption regardless of personal connections.

Law Enforcement Collaboration Yields Results

The successful asset preservation demonstrates effective coordination between multiple government agencies:

• Asset Forfeiture Unit: Led the preservation order applications and asset seizure operations
• National Prosecuting Authority: Provided prosecutorial support and legal framework
• Special Investigating Unit: Contributed investigative resources and expertise
• National Treasury: Supported the collaborative anti-corruption efforts

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Timeline of Key Events

August 2021: Babita Deokaran assassinated weeks after flagging suspicious tender activities August 14, 2025: AFU secures preservation order against Hangwani Maumela Thursday evening: Preservation order executed against Rudolph Mazibuko Ongoing: Investigation continues into broader corruption network

Impact on Healthcare Sector Corruption

This case represents a significant milestone in addressing systemic corruption within South Africa's healthcare sector. The substantial asset forfeitures send a strong message to those exploiting public healthcare resources for personal enrichment.

The investigation initially emerged from the News24 investigative series "Silenced," which exposed the corruption network and highlighted the dangerous consequences faced by whistleblowers in the healthcare sector.

Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

The AFU's actions represent the preliminary stages of what is expected to be extensive legal proceedings. The preservation orders secure the assets while prosecutors build comprehensive cases against the individuals involved in the tender manipulation scheme.

Legal experts anticipate that the successful asset preservation will encourage further investigations into healthcare sector corruption, potentially uncovering additional networks of fraudulent tender awards and financial misconduct.

Conclusion

The R400 million asset seizure marks a decisive moment in South Africa's fight against healthcare corruption. By targeting the financial proceeds of tender manipulation, law enforcement agencies are demonstrating their commitment to recovering public resources and holding corrupt actors accountable.

The collaborative approach between the AFU, NPA, SIU, and National Treasury provides a blueprint for addressing complex corruption cases that span multiple institutions and jurisdictions. As the legal proceedings continue, this case will serve as a critical test of South Africa's anti-corruption enforcement capabilities in the healthcare sector.