The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that a ruling by the Special Tribunal ordering the return of five luxury vehicles seized during its R2 billion Tembisa Hospital fraud investigation does not weaken its case.
Last Friday, former Special Tribunal president Judge Margaret Victor ordered that the high-value vehicles be released to a Mpumalanga-based dealership, Omar’s Motor Den, under strict conditions aimed at preserving their value while investigations continue.
The vehicles include two 2023 Aston Martins, a 2021 Ferrari 812, a 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB, and a 2023 Rolls-Royce. They were seized during coordinated raids conducted in October last year at the Sandton residence of alleged looting kingpin Hangwani Maumela and at a luxury car dealership in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.
The seizures formed part of a broader preservation order targeting assets worth nearly R900 million, which the SIU alleges were unlawfully and irregularly acquired through payments linked to corruption and fraud at Tembisa Hospital.
Despite the tribunal’s decision to release the vehicles, the SIU has emphasised that the ruling does not compromise its investigation. The unit maintains that the conditions attached to the release ensure the vehicles cannot be sold, altered, or disposed of, and that their value will be safeguarded should the tribunal later order forfeiture.
“The preservation of the assets remains intact through strict conditions imposed by the tribunal,” the SIU said, adding that the matter remains under active investigation.
The SIU continues to probe alleged large-scale procurement irregularities and financial misconduct at Tembisa Hospital, which is believed to have resulted in billions of rands being siphoned from the public healthcare system.
Further legal proceedings are expected as the investigation unfolds.
