Late Tembisa Hospital CEO not off the hook, says minister

HEALTH Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has not ruled out going after the estate of the late Tembisa Hospital chief executive officer, Dr Ashley Mthunzi over his alleged role in the looting of over R2 billion through irregular tenders.

- BONGANI HANS

In its interim report, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found that Mthunzi authorised appointments of non-compliant bidders, and that the purchase orders sent to the Gauteng Health Department contained irregular certificates that were never questioned by provincial employees despite having inflated prices.

The report also identified criminal syndicates led by businessmen Vusi "Cat" Matlala, Hangwani Maumela, and Rudolph Mazibuko, with the assistance of hospital staff as having benefited from the loot.

Mthunzi passed away after a short illness on April 24, 2024.

Speaking to SAFM at the weekend, Motsoaledi said Mthunzi left behind a property that will be confiscated.

"You are aware that the CEO in Tembisa who has been fingered is late, but he has an estate. So the fact that he is late does not mean that the case is over, is closed," said Motsoaledi.