In a dramatic escalation of South Africa’s efforts to clamp down on state corruption, law enforcement officials on Thursday executed a coordinated raid on the Sandton home of businessman Hangwani Maumela, seizing a fleet of luxury vehicles and a high-value art collection.
The operation forms part of an R820 million asset recovery mission linked to alleged large-scale corruption and tender fraud at Tembisa Hospital.
High-End Cars and Lavish Properties Targeted
Witnesses reported seeing multiple Lamborghinis and other luxury vehicles being driven away from the property under police escort.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which has been leading a three-year probe into irregular contracts at the hospital, confirmed that Thursday’s raid followed court-approved orders to freeze and ultimately forfeit assets linked to state funds.
According to the SIU, Maumela – a nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa from a previous marriage – allegedly used a network of supplier companies to redirect public funds into inflated private contracts.
The Alleged Scheme
Investigators say Maumela’s companies benefitted from a tangled web of procurement deals involving dozens of vendors, many of which were awarded without proper oversight.
These contracts reportedly span several years and are estimated to have cost the state more than R2 billion.
The SIU stated that it has so far identified assets worth R520 million tied to Maumela, including:
- Luxury vehicles
- Artworks and collectibles
- Properties totalling R293 million, including a R75 million estate in Bantry Bay and various holdings in Gauteng
Legal Action Underway
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is working alongside the SIU to pursue both criminal and civil actions against those implicated.
The asset seizures are part of an effort to recover stolen public funds and return them to critical health services, especially at Tembisa Hospital where the alleged looting occurred.
“Recovering value for patients and taxpayers is our primary objective,” said an SIU spokesperson.
The seized assets will now be catalogued and held pending further legal proceedings.
A Bigger Network Under the Microscope
Maumela is not the only figure under investigation.
The SIU has reportedly flagged a broader syndicate and identified additional suspicious transactions involving public health funds.
Several senior officials and business associates are expected to face charges or asset forfeiture orders as the probe deepens.
Public Accountability and Ongoing Investigations
The operation marks one of the most high-profile asset seizures of the year and is a public show of force in South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption and state capture.
The SIU said further details would be shared as the legal processes unfold, and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that funds stolen from public services are returned to where they are most needed.
