The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Andy Mothibi, has revealed that a number of officials from the health department have voluntarily come forward to return funds that were allegedly misappropriated. This development follows the release of an interim report on the ongoing Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal in September, which exposed serious irregularities in the management of hospital funds.
According to Mothibi, the SIU has seen a positive response from some implicated individuals who appear to be cooperating with the investigation by returning the money they are alleged to have taken. He said these voluntary repayments demonstrate a willingness by certain officials to address their wrongdoing and help restore public resources that were lost due to corruption.
The interim report, released earlier this year, highlighted widespread financial misconduct at Tembisa Hospital, including fraudulent procurement, mismanagement of medical supplies, and misuse of departmental funds. The findings prompted the SIU to intensify its scrutiny of financial transactions and to identify individuals who may be legally liable for restitution. Mothibi noted that while not all implicated officials have come forward, the voluntary returns are a step in the right direction.
He added that the SIU’s focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that any recovery of stolen funds is properly accounted for. The approach is aimed not only at recovering public money but also at reinforcing accountability within the health department and deterring similar misconduct in the future.
The revelation has been welcomed by public oversight bodies and anti-corruption advocates, who say it shows that investigative pressure and transparency can encourage restitution even before final legal proceedings conclude. Mothibi emphasized that the SIU will continue its investigations, pursue those who refuse to cooperate, and make sure that all cases are handled according to the law.
As the probe continues, the SIU aims to set a precedent for integrity in public service, ensuring that officials understand the consequences of corruption and the importance of returning misappropriated funds to the state. The Tembisa Hospital scandal remains a focal point for discussions on governance and accountability in South Africa’s public health system.