Tembisa Hospital corruption probe secures R42.4m in assets

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured approximately R42.4 million in assets, including cash, properties, pension benefits, and investments, linked to an alleged bribery and procurement corruption scheme at Tembisa Hospital.

The assets are connected to an investigation into roughly R100 million in alleged bribes paid by businessman Stefan Joel Govindraju to hospital officials to secure procurement contracts valued at approximately R600 million. The SIU identified that Govindraju was linked to at least 75 companies, 73 of which were allegedly irregularly appointed at the hospital, receiving payments totaling about R596.4 million between 2020 and 2023.

A preservation order was granted to prevent the disposal of assets belonging to Zacharia Tshisele, his wives, and associated entities. This includes a pension valued at over R1 million and properties in Birchleigh North and Boksburg. The order also restricts financial dealings for individuals including Joseph Fhumulani Muthaphuli and former Tembisa Hospital Area Manager Ernest Monnakgotla. The SIU previously identified assets linked to Govindraju with a combined value of approximately R150 million.