The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an order freezing R42.4 million in assets linked to alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital, where officials are accused of receiving bribes to facilitate procurement contracts.

The Special Tribunal, which granted the order, hears civil cases arising from SIU investigations into the misuse of public money. The SIU investigates and brings cases, while the tribunal decides applications to recover money or protect assets pending further proceedings. A preservation order from the Tribunal prevents assets from being sold, transferred, or paid out. It does not amount to a criminal conviction.

The officials implicated include Zacharia Tshisele and Ernest Monnakgotla, who both held senior roles at the hospital. Their positions allegedly allowed them to influence purchasing and payments.

According to the SIU, the pair helped channel hospital payments to two alleged supplier syndicates. One comprised 75 companies that received R600 million. Another comprised 17 companies that received R283 million.

The freeze covers assets belonging to Tshisele, his two wives, and connected parties. Two luxury properties are covered, and payment of Tshisele’s pension benefits exceeding R1 million has been blocked.

As for Monnakgotla, no assets belonging to him have been identified in the freeze, the order only restricts payments and dealings involving him.