Incoming NDPP boss urged to go after Tembisa Hospital looters

PROSECUTING syndicates linked to the looting of more than R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital, including President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew from a previous marriage, Hangwani Maumela, should top incoming National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi’s agenda. 

This is according to several political analysts who warn that Mothibi’s appointment could be a strategic move to protect politicians, including Maumela from prosecution. 

Mothibi was appointed without undergoing the public interview process conducted by an advisory panel last year. The panel, led by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, interviewed six shortlisted candidates, but none of them were suitable for the role.

His appointment is set to take effect on February 1, 2026, following Advocate Shamila Batohi's retirement.

During his tenure as the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Mothibi identified Maumela as the head of one of three major syndicates that siphoned more than R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital through a complex web of fraudulent tenders, inflated prices, and non-existent deliveries. 

The syndicates used shelf companies and non-compliant bidders to benefit from the funds meant for healthcare services.

The investigation into Tembisa Hospital was initiated following a report from whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, the chief financial accounting officer at the Gauteng Department of Health, who flagged suspicious transactions prior to her assassination in August 2021.

The SIU's investigation found that Maumela allegedly used a network of 41 companies to siphon off R820 million from Tembisa Hospital.  

As a result, the SIU raided his home as part of an operation to seize assets linked to the alleged corruption. 

Among the items confiscated during the raid were three Lamborghinis, designer furniture, expensive artwork, and other property. The total value of assets preserved was R133.5 million, with a total of R900 million worth of assets targeted. 

Political analyst Professor Andre Duvenhage said he believes that it will be difficult for Mothibi to take action against Maumela and senior ANC politicians, including Ramaphosa. 

Duvenhage said these senior politicians include those implicated in the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture and those currently investigated by the Madlanga Commission into criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. 

“I have serious concerns about this. Maumela’s position is linked to senior politicians, and as a result, with a dysfunctional system, you just don’t do the work, and automatically delay the processes,” he said, adding that this is a form of de-democratisation, undermining the Constitution.

Another political analyst, Zakhele Ndlovu, said it is important for Mothibi to fast-track prosecution against Maumela, adding that he would be seen as protecting him on the instruction of Ramaphosa should he drag his feet.

“Ultimately, the pressure is on both Ramaphosa and Mothibi to expedite the prosecution of this case. They don't want to create the impression that some people are above the law,” Ndlovu said.

Political analyst, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, said the fact that Ramaphosa was not transparent about his intentions leads him to believe that Mothibi's appointment was not made in good faith. 

He added that the appointment is politically-motivated.

“Something is not right about this appointment. It should not have been done this way. The appointment was not made in good faith. This is a smack in the face to the citizens of this country,” he said, adding that these powers are vested in the president to advance the national interests, not personal interests. 

“In this case, there are political dynamics, and this is a real political move,” said Breakfast. 

Ramaphosa defended his decision to appoint Mothibi, saying he used his constitutional powers to make the decision after the panel told him that none of the candidates who were interviewed was suitable for the job. 

The MK Party said the decision to appoint Mothibi is intended to shield Maumela from imminent arrest and prosecution, calling on Mothibi to act decisively without delay by ensuring his immediate arrest and prosecution. 

The EFF also called on Mothibi to prosecute cases without fear, favour, or political consideration, regardless of who may be involved. 

DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Glynnis Breytenbach, said: “The president's handling of the process of finding a new NDPP has been appalling. The president unnecessarily delayed the process for months, and when he finally initiated the process after sustained DA-led pressure, it had to be rushed due to time constraints. There is no doubt that this is a major reason why the ill-suited panel was unable to fulfil its mandate.”

Cape Times