Overview
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew, Hangwani Maumela, is still facing questions about his alleged involvement in a R2 billion looting scheme at Tembisa Hospital. Although investigators have gathered a lot of information, no formal charges have been laid yet because prosecutors need the evidence to be turned into a form that can be used in court.
What Happened?
- In September 2025 the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) looked at 1,728 procurement bundles worth R816 million linked to the hospital.
- They found irregularities in 924 of those bundles, suggesting money was diverted improperly.
Who Is Hangwani Maumela?
- Maumela is the president’s nephew.
- The SIU traced 41 service providers connected to him and identified three companies that received contracts worth R13 million.
- Those companies are also linked to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tenderpreneur accused of attempted murder.
SIU Investigation Findings
- The SIU uncovered assets believed to be bought with the suspect money, including luxury vehicles and properties.
- The Asset Forfeiture Unit has placed a preservation order on some of these assets to stop them from being sold or hidden.
Evidence Sent to the NPA
- In February 2026 the SIU handed over its docket to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Cape Town.
- The docket was registered at the Cape Town Central Police Station on 11 December 2025.
- Prosecutors are reviewing the material to decide if there is enough to secure a conviction.
Why No Charges Yet?
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi explained the delay:
- The information collected by the SIU still needs to be converted into admissible evidence—the kind that a court can accept.
- Additional investigative work is required to meet that standard.
- Once the outstanding investigations are finished, the case will be enrolled for prosecution.
Kubayi stressed that no charges have been preferred against Maumela at this stage.
Luxury Vehicles and Legal Battle
- Five luxury vehicles seized from Maumela’s property were subject to a preservation order.
- On 30 January 2026 the Special Tribunal ruled in favor of the car dealership that wanted the order lifted, but imposed a condition: the dealership must provide alternative security equal to the vehicles’ full value.
- The dealership appealed, seeking an unconditional release of the cars.
- The SIU filed a counter‑appeal, asking the Johannesburg High Court to overturn the tribunal’s decision and keep the preservation order in place.
What’s Next?
- Prosecutors in the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) in Johannesburg are guiding the ongoing investigation.
- The SIU continues to gather evidence and opposes the dealership’s appeal.
- No date has been set for when the matter will go to court; it depends on completing the outstanding investigative steps.
Conclusion
The case against Hangwani Maumela remains under active investigation. While the SIU has uncovered substantial evidence linking him to irregular contracts and seized assets, prosecutors need to turn that information into court‑ready proof before any charges can be filed. Until then, the legal process surrounding the luxury vehicles and the broader corruption allegations continues to unfold.
