Officials arrested over R100k 'gratification' linked to Tembisa Hospital probe remain in custody

TEMBISA Hospital official, Zacharia Chisele, 53, and Hawks officer, Sergeant Papi Tsie, 41, will remain in custody until December 2 following their arrest on corruption charges linked to Hawks investigations at the healthcare facility. 

The pair made a brief court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday where their case was postponed for bail information. 

It is alleged that on Sunday, the two met with the Hawks investigating officer involved in an ongoing investigation of corruption at the Tembisa Hospital. 

During the meeting, it is alleged that the two gave the Hawks official a gratification of R100,000 for Chisele to avoid prosecution in the ongoing investigation.

National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the matter was postponed to December 2 for bail investigations and a bail application.  

The Hawks said one of their officers was approached by Tsie on November 21 allegedly informing the officer that Chisele wanted to meet regarding an ongoing investigation linked to the hospital. 

Tsie allegedly indicated that the hospital official required assistance and was willing to offer gratification in order to avoid prosecution in the ongoing investigation.

The Hawks member met with the complainant, the investigator in the case, on Sunday and allegedly handed over R100,000 cash as gratification. An operation authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions was subsequently executed by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, leading to the arrest of both the Sergeant and the Tembisa Hospital official.

Hawks Acting National Head Siphosihle Nkosi assured the public meanwhile that investigations relating to corruption at Tembisa Hospital will continue without deterrence.

“We also emphasise that those within the DPCI who involve themselves in criminal activities will be rooted out of the organisation,” he said.

The arrests come as calls mount for the Department of Health to help fast-track the blacklisting of companies linked to the looting of over R2 billion from the health facility. Among the syndicates at the centre of the looting saga were President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew Hangwani Maumela from a previous marriage and controversial tenderpreneur Vusimuzi Cat Matlala who was also implicated. 

Cape Times