SIU raids Sandton home of Businessman tied to Tembisa Hospital corruption probe
Captured possessions from the raid by SIU. Photo Credit- SIU/EWN
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed on Wednesday that it conducted a raid at the upscale Sandton residence of a prominent businessman implicated in the ongoing Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. The operation forms part of a broader probe into the alleged capture of the Gauteng public health facility, where syndicates are accused of siphoning off millions through fraudulent tenders. The unnamed businessman, described as a “tender tycoon,” heads one of the key syndicates flagged in the investigation.
Last month, the SIU secured a court order to freeze the tycoon’s assets, valued at approximately R520 million, including a fleet of luxury vehicles and high-end properties scattered across South Africa. SIU head advocate Andy Mothibi detailed that the businessman’s syndicate secured tenders exceeding R800 million at Tembisa Hospital. “Three of the companies that were awarded contracts to the value of R13,538,292 in this syndicate are linked to Vusimuzi Matlala,” Mothibi stated, highlighting the intricate web of connections under scrutiny.
The raid targeted the tycoon’s Sandton home, a symbol of the opulence allegedly funded by illicit gains from the hospital’s procurement irregularities. Authorities are examining documents and electronic devices seized during the search to bolster evidence in the corruption case. The Tembisa scandal, which erupted following whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s revelations in 2021, has already exposed systemic graft involving hospital officials and external suppliers, with the SIU estimating losses in the billions.
Mothibi emphasized the unit’s determination to dismantle the networks responsible, noting that the asset freeze aims to prevent dissipation of potentially ill-gotten wealth. The seized vehicles include a Lamborghini Urus Aventador SVJ, Lamborghini Huracan STO, Lamborghini Aventador Ultimate Coupe, Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Continental GT V8, and an Isuzu D-Max. Properties under freeze encompass a residence in Bantry Bay, Cape Town; a home in Hartbeespoort, North West; two in Sandton, Gauteng; one in Zimbali Estate, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal; and two in Twin Towers, Cape Town.
The investigation continues, with the SIU vowing to pursue all leads to recover public funds and hold perpetrators accountable. This raid underscores the escalating crackdown on corruption in South Africa’s healthcare sector, where Tembisa Hospital has become a focal point for exposing deep-rooted malfeasance.
FAQs on SIU raid on Sandton
What prompted the SIU raid on the businessman’s Sandton home?
The raid is part of the Tembisa Hospital corruption investigation, targeting a businessman whose syndicate allegedly secured over R800 million in fraudulent tenders.
How much are the frozen assets of the businessman worth?
The assets, including luxury vehicles and properties, are valued at around R520 million.
Which companies in the syndicate are linked to Vusimuzi Matlala?
Three companies awarded contracts worth R13,538,292 are connected to Vusimuzi Matlala, as stated by SIU head Andy Mothibi.
What types of vehicles were seized in the investigation?
The fleet includes a Lamborghini Urus Aventador SVJ, Lamborghini Huracan STO, Lamborghini Aventador Ultimate Coupe, Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Continental GT V8, and an Isuzu D-Max.
Where are the frozen properties located?
Properties include one in Bantry Bay, Cape Town; Hartbeespoort, North West; two in Sandton, Gauteng; Zimbali Estate, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal; and two in Twin Towers, Cape Town.
