Online Reporter
Jonisayi Maromo
JOHANNESBURG. — Investigators have revealed the luxury assets allegedly bought with money looted from Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng, with preservation orders worth more than R370 million already secured.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) say syndicates linked to the hospital used state contracts to bankroll lavish lifestyles, while the hospital itself struggled with resources.
During a press briefing, SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi, flanked by Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, described the comprehensive investigations that revealed worrisome levels of corruption at the hospital.
Mothibi detailed how three syndicates collaborated closely with hospital officials.
“We have, of course, uncovered extensive corruption.
“The investigation reveals a pattern of corruption by officials and service providers significantly undermining the intended purpose of allocated funds,” he said.
The seized assets include four Lamborghinis: Urus, Aventador SVJ, Huracán STO, Aventador Ultimate Coupe, a model1 Bentley Continental GT V8, three Mercedes-Benz vehicles, a Land Rover, an Isuzu D-Max bakkie, luxury homes linked to the syndicate with a combined value of R293,434,000.
These properties were discovered in Sandton, Bantry Bay (Cape Town), Zimbali Estate (KZN), Hartbeespoort (North West) and Cape Town’s Twin Towers.
A Regency 250 LE boat and a custom-built trailer were also seized.
The Mazibuko-linked syndicate was tied to R47 million in properties and vehicles, while the Maumela-linked network accounted for assets worth more than R326 mitllion.
The AFU stressed that the assets remain under preservation pending the outcome of ongoing criminal and civil cases. – IOL
Mathew Masinge