Mastermind Behind The Looting Of R2 Billion Hospital Fund Passed Away Last Year

The spectre of corruption continues to haunt Gauteng healthcare system as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has named the late Dr. Ashley Mthunzi, former CEO of Tembisa Hospital as a central figure in a R2 billion graft scandal that has rocked the public sector.

Mthunzi, who passed away last year has now been posthumously tied to an intricate web of fraudulent contracts irregular tenders and shadowy companies that siphoned staggering amounts from state coffers. According to the SIU’s latest findings Tembisa Hospital was transformed into a looting ground disguised as a healthcare facility with Mthunzi at the heart of decision-making that enabled the abuse of funds.

The report tabled this week, outlines how irregular suppliers were handpicked to secure inflated contracts for everything from basic hospital supplies to medical equipment, while legitimate service providers were sidelined. Investigators allege that front companies with no medical experience received multimillion-rand deals, in some cases for products that were never delivered.

The evidence points to systematic manipulation of procurement systems under Mthunzi’s leadership the SIU report states. The scale of corruption suggests deliberate orchestration rather than negligence.

The revelations have ignited public outrage, with civil society groups demanding that the scandal not be buried with Mthunzi. Death should not erase accountability said health activist Thandiwe Nxumalo. Billions were stolen while ordinary South Africans were left to die in overcrowded wards without proper care.

Legal experts say while Mthunzi himself cannot face prosecution the SIU findings open the door for criminal and civil action against associates suppliers and officials who allegedly benefited from the scheme. Assets linked to implicated companies are already being targeted for recovery.

The Gauteng Department of Health has distanced itself from the scandal, insisting that sweeping reforms are being implemented. We will not allow the memory of corruption to overshadow the urgent task of restoring public trust the department said in a statement.

For many however the SIU revelations paint Tembisa Hospital as a symbol of betrayal, where the Hippocratic Oath was replaced by the greed of officials entrusted with saving lives.

As the scandal deepens one fact remains chilling: even in death Ashley Mthunzi name casts a long shadow over South Africa battle against corruption in healthcare.

Would you like me to also draft a follow-up article on how families of patients who died at Tembisa during that period are now calling for compensation?

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