“This order demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that we deprive criminals of ill-gotten wealth, which in many cases is used to hide their crimes, escape accountability and fight against the state.”
That was the assessment from Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi in July, celebrating a High Court decision targeting the luxury assets of controversial businessman Hangwani Maumela. Now, Maumela is fighting back against that very order, aiming to halt the state from selling off the seized property.
The Gauteng High Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a forfeiture order in July targeting homes and vehicles tied to Maumela and the ongoing Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. Legal representatives for Maumela recently engaged the NPA, indicating an intention to appeal or apply for a rescission of the judgment to reverse the court order.
Hangwani Maumela has applied to rescind the forfeiture order covering his R70m Sandton home, linked to the alleged R2bn Tembisa Hospital looting. The NPA says it will expedite its response; the sale is on hold. https://t.co/ubHRhmxAPK
The R325 Million Asset Freeze and the Tembisa Hospital Scandal
The high-stakes legal battle stems from an extensive forensic investigation into basic accounting systems at Tembisa Hospital. The Specialised Audit Services Unit of the National Treasury conducted that review following information provided by the late Babita Deokaran.
In October 2025, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raided Maumela’s Sandhurst home. Investigators confiscated millions in assets during the operation, including the infamous blue Lamborghinis. The SIU previously stated that it preserved R250.3 million in assets tied to the investigation, which encompassed 11 luxury cars and eight properties.
The subsequent forfeiture order secured by the NPA valued the total pool of Maumela’s targeted assets at R325 million. This legal mechanism was designed to clear the path for the state to sell the assets and recoup funds lost by the department of health.
Court Order Covers Luxury Properties and Assets
The sweeping court order covers an extensive portfolio of high-value possessions. Upmarket properties located across Gauteng, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal form the core of the real estate holdings, alongside high-end vehicles and artworks.
These assets have not yet gone up for sale. The NPA reported that it received notification shortly after the High Court decision that an appeal was in the pipeline. Last week, the NPA officially received a rescission application from Maumela’s legal representatives.
“We were engaged by legal representatives for Maumela,” the NPA told the Sunday Times. “They indicated an intention to appeal or to apply for a recission. We will be expediting our response and any further processes to ensure that this application is concluded.”
A rescission of judgement would seek to reverse or set aside the court order.
Related reading
