HOW TEMBISA HOSPITAL SYNDICATES SPENT LOOT

Fraud scandal reveals a staggering network of corruption

- MANYANE MANYANE

ONE of the main syndicates linked to the looting of more than R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital has properties in the Western Cape, according to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report.

The three main syndicates are the Maumela syndicate, Mazibuko syndicate and syndicate X. The Maumela syndicate is linked to Hangwani Maumela (the nephew of President Cyril Ramaphosa through a previous marriage) and the Mazibuko syndicate is linked to Rudolph Mazibuko, while investigations are continuing into X syndicate.

The Maumela syndicate is associated with R816m in fraudulent contracts at the hospital. The SIU has identified and preserved significant assets, including luxury vehicles and properties, related to this syndicate.

Three of the companies awarded contracts under the Maumela Syndicate are linked to Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, who was arrested in May and charged with the attempted murder of his former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane.

The Mazibuko syndicate is connected to fraudulent transactions worth R283m. The investigation has identified properties in Gauteng and the Western Cape linked to this syndicate.

The X syndicate is linked with procurement bundles valued at R596m, with assets worth about R150m identified.

The SIU also found a number of smaller, interconnected syndicates that collectively looted millions through a network of corrupt officials and service providers.

Its investigation, prompted by the murder of whistleblower, Babita Deokaran, found that corrupt officials colluded with the service providers to exploit weaknesses in the procurement system.