R2 billion has been lost to tender irregularities and fraud at Tembisa Hospital and this could escalate as investigations continue, according to Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head Andy Mothibi.

He was addressing the media at Tembisa Hospital, east of Johannesburg, on the interim report on its investigation into allegations of corruption and procurement irregularities at the hospital.

When Gauteng Health senior official and whistleblower Babita Deokaran was gunned down four years ago, she had flagged around R850-million in procurement fraud.

Mothibi says they have identified a number of syndicates in this matter, including companies linked to attempted murder accused Vusi “Cat” Matlala.

“Three of the companies that were awarded contracts to the value of R13 million are linked to Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Matlala would have come in as part of the syndicate by (Hangwani Morgan)Maumela. Maumela’s identified assets amount to R530 million, including luxury vehicles and properties valued at R293 million.”

VIDEO | SIU releases interim report on Tembisa Hospital investigation: