Tembisa supercars row: Dealer hits back after SIU links exotic vehicles to hospital looting scandal
Omar’s Motor Den’s principal dealer Yusuf Omar is under fire for social media threats against Special Investigating Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago after the specialist unit seized five supercars from the dealership.
Over a week ago, the Special Tribunal ordered that the five supercars – two 2023 model Aston Martins, a 2021 Ferrari 812, a 2018 Ferrari 488GTB and a 2023 Rolls-Royce – be released to the Mpumalanga dealership subject to strict conditions.
Omar did not take kindly to Kganyago’s explanation of the January 30 ruling handed down by former tribunal president Margaret Victor in various television news channels explaining how the corruption-busting unit linked the luxury vehicles to the alleged Maumela syndicate, which is being investigated for looting R2 billion from the Tembisa Hospital.
“As a member of the SIU you should be well aware of the facts, instead of making baseless statements. You can, and will, be held liable for your spread of misinformation,” Omar wrote on his Facebook page this week.
He continued: “Mr. Kaizer Kganyago. Please prove to the public that Omar’s Motor Den received funds from Tembisa Hospital or Morgan Maumela.
Omar’s Motor Den did not sell any vehicle or vehicles to Morgan Maumela, all his vehicles were purchased from other reputable dealerships and then sold, so please get your facts in order and don’t spread false information”.
Omar suggested that Kganyago ‘do his job and read the tribunal’s judgment’.
“You have little to no knowledge regarding this case or the dealership, please revert back to the previous head of the SIU (Andy Mothibi),” he added.
The post prompted the intervention of Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who unequivocally condemned and stated that she took serious exception to post by Omar. Kubayi said she noted with grave concern threats, whether direct or implied, aimed at Kganyago.
“In the execution of his duties, Kganyago clarified the position of the SIU following the ruling. The subsequent remarks directed at both the SIU and Kganyago personally are deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” she said.
Kubayi added that her ministry “places on record its firm position that any communication containing threats, whether subtle or overt, or any message that may reasonably be construed as incitement against Kganyago, whether physical or verbal, will not be tolerated”.
She explained that public officials executing their lawful responsibilities must be allowed to do so without fear, intimidation or harassment.
Kubayi stressed that Kganyago does not speak in his personal capacity but in his official role as a representative of the unit he serves.
“Any party aggrieved by the position of the SIU is encouraged to pursue appropriate and lawful avenues of recourse, as guaranteed by the Constitution. South Africa is a constitutional state founded on the rule of law, and these principles must be respected at all times,” she said.
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za