SA News: Special Investigating Unit Secures R8.2 Million Asset Preservation Order Linked to Former Tembisa Hospital Clerk

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order for assets worth R8.2 million linked to a former Tembisa Hospital supply chain clerk, Duduzile Nkosazana Nobungwana, as part of an ongoing investigation into a procurement syndicate at the hospital.

The preserved assets include a R6.4 million luxury property in Midstream Estate and R1.8 million in pension benefits. Nobungwana allegedly resigned during a disciplinary hearing after being implicated in irregular procurement activities.

According to the SIU, she received kickbacks from suppliers doing business with Tembisa Hospital. The funds were allegedly channelled through a front company, Mabitwa Trading, and used to acquire the property, which was later registered under her son’s company, Amatibe Holding.

The SIU also identified Stefan Joel Govindraju as the alleged mastermind behind a wider procurement network, referred to as “Syndicate X.” He is accused of controlling 73 companies that secured 1,237 irregular contracts worth about R596 million.

Investigators say roughly R100 million in suspicious payments were traced from the syndicate to hospital officials. Nobungwana’s alleged involvement alone is linked to at least R5.1 million in irregular expenditure and R13.6 million in state losses.

The SIU says the preserved pension benefits may be used in future asset recovery, and the matter has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for possible criminal prosecution.