Crime

JOHANNESBURG - Three syndicates responsible for siphoning off almost R1.7 billion from the Gauteng government have been identified by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

The unit yesterday revealed the widespread corruption involving officials and service providers tied to the Tembisa Hospital and the provincial Department of Health (DoH).

Head of the SIU Advocate Lekgoa Mothibi detailed the progress of the investigations in the presence of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi.

Mothibi stated that Motsoaledi and Lesufi both referred matters of corruption to the SIU, which led to the commencement of the investigations.

The SIU’s investigations revealed that three syndicates have been using the Tembisa Hospital and the Gauteng DoH as a source for personal enrichment.

Investigators have combed through over 2 000 procurement deals involving over 4 500 purchase orders to the combined value of R1.69 billion

• Maumela syndicate: Linked to businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela. The SIU is reviewing 1 728 bundles worth R816.5 million, of which 924 have already revealed significant irregularities. At least 41 suppliers or service providers are tied to Maumela, including three companies connected to Vusimuzi Matlala, which were awarded contracts worth R13.5 million.
• Mazibuko syndicate: Linked to Rudolph Mazibuko. Investigators have reviewed 651 bundles worth R283.5 million, with completed analyses uncovering assets worth R42.6 million, including multiple properties in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
• Syndicate X: The identity of its leader has not yet been made public. The SIU is assessing 1 237 procurement bundles worth R596.4 million, with analyses already revealing procurement irregularities and secondary conduit accounts used for money-laundering. Assets tied to this syndicate are estimated at R150 million.

“Analysis of about 2 207 procurement bundles has revealed serious maladministration and procurement fraud,” said Mothibi.

“Key officials from the DoH in Gauteng and the Tembisa Hospital are accused of benefitting from corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular payments.

“They are not just accused. Evidence has been found that indicates that these officials have been paid corruptly by the service providers,” explained the SIU head.

Mothibi revealed the names of two of the syndicate leaders, but withheld the third as those involved were still subject to legal proceedings.

The unit yesterday revealed the widespread corruption involving officials and service providers tied to the Tembisa Hospital and the provincial Department of Health (DoH). (Pic: Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism)