Hangwani Maumela case moves to NPA as SIU submits evidence

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has handed over evidence against alleged Tembisa Hospital looting kingpin Hangwani Maumela to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the unit confirmed on Friday.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said such referrals are standard procedure whenever the unit uncovers potential criminality during its investigations.

“We have given that already to the National Prosecuting Authority, before Advocate Andy Mothibi assumed office. And like we always do, there are many other cases that we have given,” Kganyago said.

The SIU’s handover follows a series of high-profile raids on Maumela, including the recent seizure of luxury vehicles at his Sandton residence, linked to alleged misappropriation of funds at Tembisa Hospital. These seizures are part of a broader investigation into the hospital’s financial irregularities, which allegedly involve the diversion of millions of rands from public funds.

Once the SIU submits its evidence, the NPA assesses whether the material is sufficient to secure a conviction. If the evidence is found lacking, Kganyago said, the NPA may request further investigations, which the SIU will conduct under close monitoring from the Presidency.

“If not, they need to then do further investigation, but we keep checking up with them. We get monitored by the President's office on whether they are executing the recommendations that are coming from us,” he said.

The NPA recently appointed Advocate Andy Mothibi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), a move the SIU hopes will strengthen collaboration between the two state organs.

“He [Mothibi] will have to look at all of those referrals that were done by the SIU and look at whether there is reason to continue. If not, maybe come back to the SIU and say we need one, two, three things so we can beef up our case,” Kganyago added.

The SIU has been investigating allegations of widespread corruption and financial mismanagement at Tembisa Hospital, which is part of the Gauteng Department of Health. Maumela, a businessman with multiple reported connections in the healthcare sector, is accused of orchestrating contracts and procurement irregularities that allegedly siphoned millions from public funds.

Previous SIU operations against Maumela have included the seizure of luxury cars and other assets, reflecting the scale of alleged financial misconduct. Authorities say these interventions form part of a wider government crackdown on corruption in the public sector, which has been a priority of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration.

Kganyago emphasised that the SIU continues to monitor all cases it refers to the NPA to ensure that recommendations are executed effectively. “We do not just hand over the files and walk away. We monitor the progress closely,” he said.

Observers say the appointment of Mothibi could signal a more rigorous approach to prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, including those involving politically connected individuals.

The outcome of the SIU’s evidence submission will depend on the NPA’s assessment and any subsequent investigations, with potential charges against Maumela and other implicated parties expected to be announced once the process is complete.