Hangwani Maumela-linked Bentley triggers arrest drama at eMalahleni dealership

The SIU, its curator, and the Saps serving Omar Motor Den and its owner, Yusuf Omar. Picture: SIU There were dramatic scenes at the Omars Motor Den dealership in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, after its owner faced the threat of detention for failing to comply with court orders related to a Bentley linked to the alleged Tembisa Hospital tender kingpin, Hangwani Maumela. Police initially arrested Yusuf Omar after he allegedly refused to cooperate when served with two orders related to the Bentley.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed on Friday at around 3.30pm that the dealership owner had been arrested for failing to comply with two orders from the Special Tribunal. One order is for contempt of court, and another is for the seizure of a Bentley Continental GT linked to procurement irregularities at Tembisa Hospital. Almost an hour later, at 4.30pm, the SIU said Omar was cooperating and allowing the unit, the South African Police Service (Saps), and the SIU’s appointed curator, Bonis, to execute the contempt of court order and obtain CCTV footage from 22 May onwards.

Failing this, the Tribunal authorised an application for Omar’s immediate arrest. The SIU’s investigation discovered thatthree main syndicates siphoned funds from the hospital. At least R2 billion has been looted from the hospital.

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Maumela is accused of being a key beneficiary of the alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital. In theSIU’s interim reporton its investigation, it said it is reviewing 1 728 three-quote procurement process bundles. These bundles are valued at R816 560 710 and linked to the Maumela syndicate.

The unit identified several assets linked to the Maumela syndicate with a combined value of approximately R520 million. Numerous luxury cars and residences were allegedly bought using two businesses and a trust account. The Special Tribunal’s first order, granted on 2 June, empowers the SIU, through Bonis, to take possession of the Bentley from Omars Motor Den.

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