The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has identified three syndicates behind a R2 billion fraud scheme that siphoned funds from the Tembisa Hospital.
The unit released its interim report on Monday, describing the syndicate as a “complex web” of fraud and corruption, and the alleged crime “a devastating plunder of the public purse.”
The ongoing investigation, expected to conclude in November 2027, involves 207 service providers which traded with the Tembisa Hospital under 4 501 purchase orders (PO).
Key officials accused of corruption
The probe found that key officials from the Gauteng Department of Gauteng Health were among the beneficiaries of corrupt payments facilitated through irregular appointments of service providers, accounting for R122 million.
“These individuals abused their positions throughout the procurement process to benefit these providers and enrich themselves. The number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues. The officials range from entry-level clerks to management-level officials,” the SIU said in a statement.
The office of Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the report, lauding it as a continuation of the provincial government’s efforts in the fight against corruption.
The premier’s office added that while it suspected alleged corruption, fraud and maladministration in the hospital’s supply chain management, the revelations were “shocking” and “disturbing”.
The provincial government committed to work with the department of health to ensure the enforcement of the SIU’s recommendations. It added that it expected law enforcement agencies to “act decisively” on the unit’s evidence.
“We view this as a critical step in honouring Babita Deokaran’s legacy and fulfilling our promise that her death would not be in vain. The people of Gauteng deserve accountability, and we will leave no stone unturned to achieve it,” said Lesufi.
