Pretoria – A member of the elite crime busters, Hawks, and a Tembisa Hospital official, allegedly caught in an anti-corruption sting operation, are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – DPCI) spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the arrested pair were expected to appear in court today, Monday, 24 November 2025, to face charges of corruption.
Tembisa Hospital has been at the centre of a corruption scandal involving the looting of more than R2 billion intended for healthcare, with multiple syndicates and officials implicated in extensive fraud and maladministration.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 21 November 2025, a DPCI officer was approached by a 41-year-old suspect, a sergeant from the DPCI,” said Brigadier Mbambo.
“The sergeant informed the officer that a 53-year-old Tembisa Hospital official wanted to meet regarding an ongoing investigation linked to the hospital.
“The sergeant further indicated that the hospital official required assistance and was willing to offer gratification in order to avoid prosecution in the ongoing investigation.”
Brigadier Mbambo stated that on Sunday, 23 November 2025, the Hawks member and the Tembisa Hospital official met with the complainant, the investigator in the case, and handed over R100 000 cash as a bribe.
“An operation authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions was subsequently executed by the DPCI’s Serious Corruption Investigation unit, leading to the arrest of both the Sergeant and the Tembisa Hospital official,” the Hawks spokesperson said.
The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, commended the investigating officer who refused to concede to criminal solicitation.
“We assure the public that investigations relating to corruption at Tembisa Hospital will continue without deterrence,” said Lieutenant General Nkosi..
“We also emphasise that those within the DPCI who involve themselves in criminal activities will be rooted out of the organisation.”
Brigadier Mbambo warned that the DPCI remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law and remains steadfast in the fight against corruption.
