SIU seizes Bentley in Tembisa hospital corruption investigation

Johannesburg – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an urgent order from the Special Tribunal authorising the seizure of a Bentley linked to its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and maladministration at Tembisa Hospital.

According to the SIU, the order — granted on 5 June 2026 — targets Omar’s Motor Den CC and its owner, Yusuf Omar, and allows the SIU’s Curator Bonis, assisted by the South African Police Service and the Hawks, to immediately take possession of the vehicle.

The unit said the vehicle is part of assets linked to businessman Hangwani Maumela, whose estate is central to the broader investigation into Gauteng health procurement irregularities.

In a series of posts on X, the SIU said the Bentley changed ownership multiple times — from LSM Distributors to the MHR Maumela Family Trust around 2018/2019, then to DriveTime Auto CC in 2022, before being transferred again in 2025 to Omar’s Motor Den CC and later Khonile Trading.

Despite these transfers, the SIU said: “evidence suggests the Bentley remains in Omar’s possession, raising concerns of concealment and dissipation.”

The unit further stated that the chain of transfers reflects “an ongoing flow of value away from the restrained estate,” adding that the Tribunal’s order is aimed at securing the vehicle and preventing further transactions until the matter is finalised.

The SIU said the latest order also enforces compliance with earlier rulings, including a 29 September 2025 preservation order linked to the Tembisa Hospital investigation, as well as subsequent variation and reconsideration judgments.

The Tribunal has instructed Omar’s Motor Den and Yusuf Omar to appear on 3 July 2026 to show cause why a final order should not be granted, including possible contempt findings, imprisonment, and punitive cost orders.

Pending the return date, the respondents have been interdicted from interfering with the Curator Bonis or tampering with the Bentley. They have also been ordered to preserve and provide CCTV footage from 22 May 2026 onward.

The SIU added that the Tribunal’s rulings “underscore its determination to enforce compliance” and prevent the dissipation of assets under restraint as investigations continue.