R13.5m blow for suspected Tembisa Hospital looter
Accused nurse Zacharia Chisele is at the centre of the SIU’s probe, which has already recovered more than R13.5 million linked to alleged corrupt payments.
Image: X@SlindeloMasikane
THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has dealt corruption-accused Tembisa Hospital nurse Zacharia Chisele another blow with the recovery of R13.5 million.
He along with a Hawks officer were arrested at the weekend on a separate matter when they allegedly attempted to bribe a Hawks investigating officer to avoid being charged in connection with the R2 billion looting tender scandal.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit's extensive investigation found that Chisele received unlawful payments from various service providers at the hospital between January 1, 2020 and September 1, 2023.
“In April 2025, the SIU referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for criminal prosecution and asset recovery,” Kganyago said.
He added that in November 2025, Chisele paid R13,530,904.27 to the SIU, representing a portion of the proceeds of corruption identified during the probe.
The SIU’s civil efforts to recover the full amount remain underway.
Kganyago said the SIU has so far identified corrupt payments totalling R122,228,000 linked to officials and employees of the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) and the Tembisa Hospital.
At least 15 current and former officials have been implicated in corruption, money laundering, collusion and bid rigging.
More suspects are expected to be identified as the investigation continues.
“The officials range from entry-level clerks to management-level staff,” he said.
To date, the SIU has prepared 116 disciplinary referrals against 13 officials, including 108 referrals submitted to the GDOH for maladministration and irregular appointment of service providers.
Kganyago said the SIU remains committed to rooting out corruption in public institutions.
Chisele and Hawks sergeant Papi Tsie, 41, remain in custody following their court appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday.
It is alleged that on November 21, Tsie approached a DPCI officer and said Chisele wanted assistance to avoid prosecution in the hospital tender corruption investigation.
Tsie reportedly indicated that Chisele was willing to offer gratification.
On November 25, Tsie and Chisele allegedly met the investigating officer and handed over R100,000 in cash.
Cape Times