MAUMELA'S 'ENCOUNTERS' HAUNT CYRIL

Ramaphosa's acknowledgment of Tembisa Hospital looter ties fuels demands for investigation

- MASHUDU SADIKE

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's change of tune about knowing one of the alleged Tembisa Hospital looting syndicates leaders Hangwani Maumela, has ignited calls for him to be investigated.

Ramaphosa, answering questions from Members of Parliament at the National Council of Provinces, acknowledged his acquaintance with Maumela, explaining that their connection stemmed from a past marriage to Maumela's aunt, which ended 43 years ago.

He initially denied knowing Maumela in 2022 (in response to a question from DA leader John Steenhuisen), a claim he now attributes to not having "encountered him and I had never seen him and that was gospel truth." He again denied knowing him on Sunday, saying the video showing him next to Maumela's mansion was coincidental.

However, he has confirmed seeing Maumela during morning walks in his (Sandton) neighbourhood in 2023 and 2024. He stated that he had previously seen Maumela emerge from a "massive house" under construction, which he later learned was his.