The Special Investigating Unit has secured a court order to freeze a luxury property and a Free State farm linked to businessman Thapelo Buthelezi, aiming to recover over R532 million from unlawful EMS contracts
Image: SIU/IOL Graphics
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a court order to freeze a Gauteng luxury property and Free State farm linked to businessman Thapelo Buthelezi, in efforts to recover over R532 million from unlawful EMS contracts.
This comes after the Special Tribunal set aside the Free State Department of Health’s emergency medical services tenders awarded to companies linked to Buthelezi, finding the contracts unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional, and ordering repayment of funds paid under the contracts.
According to the SIU, the move follows a May 5 2025, Special Tribunal order directing Buthelezi-linked entities to repay funds totalling more than R532 million and to submit audited financial statements within 45 days, which was not complied with.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a court order to freeze a Gauteng luxury property and Free State farm
Image: SIU/X
"Despite a number of attempts and reminders by the SIU, Buthelezi failed to comply with the order. As a result, a judicial case management meeting was convened virtually on 12 September 2025 at the request of the SIU and chaired by the President of the Special Tribunal, Margaret Victor," the SIU said.
"Due to ongoing non-compliance with the May 2025 order, the SIU initiated contempt proceedings against Buthelezi. In his affidavit, Buthelezi did not dispute the existence of the May 2025 order or his knowledge of it but sought to justify his non-compliance on the grounds of alleged financial constraints, lack of legal representation, and other practical difficulties,".
The corruption watchdog added that on January 23 2026, the Special Tribunal granted an interdict preventing Buthelezi EMS, the registered owner of the Parys farm, from selling, transferring, or otherwise dealing with the property pending the outcome of the matter.
"The SIU investigation into Buthelezi EMS contracts was initiated through Proclamation 42 of 2019. The Special Tribunal orders part of implementing the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence," the SIU added.
"The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil action in the Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation".
The SIU also said that it is "empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to remedy any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations into corruption, fraud, or maladministration".
"In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action"
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