The Special Investigating Unit has obtained a court order freezing a luxury Gauteng property and a Free State farm linked to businessman Thapelo Buthelezi as part of efforts to recover more than R532 million paid through unlawful emergency medical services contracts.
Image: SIU/IOL Graphics
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a court order freezing a luxury property in Gauteng and a farm in Parys, Free State, linked to businessman Thapelo Buthelezi.
The move forms part of efforts to recover more than R532 million linked to unlawful emergency medical services (EMS) contracts awarded by the Free State Department of Health.
The Special Tribunal previously set aside the tenders awarded to companies linked to Buthelezi, ruling that the contracts were unlawful, irregular and unconstitutional. The tribunal also ordered the repayment of funds received under the contracts.
According to the SIU, the action follows a May 5, 2025, tribunal order directing entities linked to Buthelezi to repay more than R532 million and submit audited financial statements within 45 days.
The SIU said the order was not complied with despite several reminders.
“Despite a number of attempts and reminders by the SIU, Buthelezi failed to comply with the order,” the unit said.
The SIU said a judicial case management meeting was subsequently convened virtually on September 12, 2025, at its request and chaired by Special Tribunal president Margaret Victor.
Due to continued non-compliance, the SIU launched contempt proceedings against Buthelezi.
In his affidavit, Buthelezi reportedly did not dispute the existence of the May 2025 order or his knowledge of it, but cited financial constraints, lack of legal representation and other practical difficulties for failing to comply.
The SIU said the Special Tribunal granted an interdict on January 23, 2026, preventing Buthelezi EMS, the registered owner of the Parys farm, from selling, transferring or dealing with the property pending the outcome of the matter.
The investigation into the EMS contracts was initiated under Proclamation 42 of 2019.
The SIU said the tribunal orders form part of efforts to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions due to corruption or negligence.
The unit added that it is empowered under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court to address wrongdoing uncovered during investigations.
The SIU also confirmed that any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigations is referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
IOL