By Rorisang Rampheteng (Free State World Correspondent)
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal order freezing a luxury property in Meyersdal Nature Estate in Alberton, Gauteng, linked to businessman Thapelo Samuel Buthelezi, as part of efforts to recover millions lost through irregular emergency medical services contracts in the Free State.
The order bars Buthelezi from selling, transferring, mortgaging, or dealing with the property while legal processes linked to the investigation continue.
Properties Placed Under the Spotlight
The latest order follows an earlier interdict granted against a 1,071-square-metre farm in Parys, Free State, registered under Buthelezi EMS, one of the companies tied to the businessman.
The SIU’s investigation stems from controversial emergency medical services tenders awarded by the Free State Department of Health. The Special Tribunal previously found the contracts awarded to Buthelezi EMS and affiliated companies to be unlawful, procedurally irregular, and unconstitutional.
Court papers revealed that the provincial department paid more than R532 million to four entities linked to Buthelezi before the SIU moved to challenge the tenders through civil proceedings.
Tribunal Orders Repayment of Funds
In May 2025, the Tribunal ordered the repayment of millions of rand paid to the companies involved. The amounts included R40.6 million paid to Buthelezi One Stop Emergency Med, R4.7 million to Buthelezi One Stop EMS, R305.1 million to Buthelezi EMS, and R182.2 million to B EMS.
The Tribunal further instructed Buthelezi EMS to submit audited financial statements within 45 days, detailing all income, expenditure, and profits made through the contracts. However, the SIU said the required documents were never submitted despite repeated reminders and follow-ups.
Non-Compliance Leads to Further Legal Action
The failure to comply with the Tribunal’s order prompted a judicial case management meeting chaired virtually by Special Tribunal President Margaret Victor on 12 September 2025.
The SIU later launched contempt proceedings against Buthelezi. In his affidavit before the Tribunal, Buthelezi acknowledged being aware of the court order but attributed his non-compliance to financial difficulties, lack of legal representation, and other practical challenges.
Matters escalated further on 23 January 2026 when Buthelezi failed to appear before the Tribunal. The court subsequently granted another interdict in favour of the SIU, preventing Buthelezi EMS from selling, transferring, mortgaging, or encumbering the Parys farm.
SIU Pursues Recovery of State Funds
The investigation into the EMS contracts forms part of Proclamation 42 of 2019 and is aimed at recovering public funds lost through corruption, fraud, maladministration, and negligence.
The SIU said it remains empowered under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil proceedings in both the Special Tribunal and High Court to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions.
The unit added that any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during investigations is referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for possible prosecution.
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