R326M Syndicate crackdown: luxury assets seized, justice closing in. Image credit: Mdntv/Facebook
(The Post News) – R326M Syndicate has been thrust into the spotlight as authorities move decisively against individuals allegedly involved in defrauding public funds. Hangwani Maumela, a businessman reportedly linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa through a past family connection, stands at the center of an investigation into corruption at Tembisa Hospital. Despite this connection, President Ramaphosa has denied any prior knowledge of Maumela’s activities.
In recent developments, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured two preservation orders aimed at freezing assets believed to have been acquired using misappropriated state money. This follows a forensic probe initially sparked by concerns raised by the late Babita Deokaran, a senior Gauteng Department of Health official, who uncovered irregularities in hospital procurement practices.
R326M Syndicate Assets Seized by Authorities
Tragically, Deokaran was assassinated in August 2021, mere weeks after submitting a detailed report exposing systemic financial abuse. Her findings prompted the National Treasury’s Specialised Audit Services to intensify auditing efforts, revealing substantial evidence of mismanagement and potential corruption within the hospital’s financial systems.
On 14 August 2025, the AFU successfully obtained a court order to seize assets linked to the R326M Syndicate, encompassing properties, luxury vehicles including four Lamborghinis, a Bentley, and even a boat. According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, these assets were amassed through fraudulent schemes, personal enrichment, and lavish spending rather than providing goods or services to the hospital.
R326M Syndicate Investigation Expands to Other Networks
Further action followed on 27 August 2025, when a second preservation order froze assets worth at least R47 million connected to the Mazibuko syndicate. These included high-end residences and luxury cars valued at over R10 million, underscoring the scale and reach of corruption networks targeting public resources.
Advocate Ouma Rabaji-Rasethaba, Deputy National Director of the NPA and head of the AFU, highlighted the widespread impact of corruption on ordinary citizens. She stressed that when essential services such as water, electricity, textbooks, medications, and hospital care are disrupted, the consequences are felt by all South Africans. According to her, diverting funds away from healthcare and basic services is a severe injustice that undermines public trust and national development.
Throughout the investigation, the R326M Syndicate has become a focal point, illustrating how sophisticated fraud schemes can exploit public institutions. Authorities continue to pursue legal action vigorously, ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for the misappropriation of state funds face accountability.
Ultimately, dismantling the R326M Syndicate sends a powerful message that corruption will not go unchecked, reinforcing the importance of transparency and ethical governance. The AFU’s ongoing actions stand as proof that rooting out corruption is possible with persistence, strong institutions, and decisive leadership.
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