Tembisa Hospital Corruption Scandal: 15 Officials Implicated as SIU Uncovers R2 Billion Syndicate

Tembisa, South Africa — The long-running corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital has taken a dramatic turn after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that nearly 15 current and former officials have been implicated in a web of fraud and maladministration that siphoned off more than R2 billion meant for patient care and essential services.

The investigation follows years of whistle-blower warnings and the assassination of Babita Deokaran, who had flagged suspicious payments within the Gauteng Health Department. The SIU’s latest findings confirm that almost 10 syndicates embedded themselves within the hospital’s procurement system — exploiting supply-chain loopholes to channel millions to shell companies.

One of the alleged masterminds, Hangwani Maumela, is reported to have personally pocketed over R800 million, with investigators linking him to several fraudulent contracts and payment schemes disguised as legitimate hospital procurement deals.

READ: SIU Exposes R2 Billion Corruption Scandal at Tembisa Hospital: Maumela Syndicate at the Centre |

“Hospitals Starved, Patients Suffered”

The Public Servants Association (PSA) says the revelations confirm what staff have been enduring for years — a collapse in administration and resources that has left frontline workers overwhelmed.

“Our workers are working under pressure without resources. There are no beds, no proper facilities, and even medication shortages,” said a PSA spokesperson. “This puts tremendous pressure on healthcare workers who are trying to provide quality care under impossible conditions.”

The union has expressed cautious optimism about the SIU’s progress but insists that accountability must extend beyond lower-ranking officials.

“We cannot only see cleaners and clerks being targeted while executives walk free,” the PSA added. “Accountability starts at the top — including the CEO and senior management. Those found guilty must face jail time.”

READ: Tembisa Hospital Corruption Scandal: Billions Looted Through Dodgy Tenders EXPOSED |

A Call for Justice and Reform

The SIU says evidence shows that funds were diverted through fake invoices, inflated tenders, and companies registered to relatives and associates of hospital officials. The probe has already led to several asset freezes, while more arrests are expected as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prepares formal charges.

For many South Africans, the revelations are bittersweet — bringing long-awaited confirmation of corruption that cost lives but also reopening wounds left by Deokaran’s murder.

Civil society groups and opposition parties have called for a public inquiry into systemic corruption in Gauteng’s health facilities, warning that without reform, “another Tembisa” could emerge elsewhere.