SIU recovers R13.5m from Tembisa Hospital employee

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered more than R13 million from a Tembisa Hospital employee who allegedly benefited from tender corruption.

In a statement released on Thursday, the SIU confirmed that hospital employee Zacharia Tshisele was arrested for his alleged role in irregular contract payouts.

SIU spokesperson Kaiser Kganyago said Tshisele repaid R13 million to the unit this month, which he said is just a portion of the kickbacks he allegedly received from service providers.

“During the investigation, the SIU uncovered evidence that Mr Tshisele received unlawful gratification from various service providers at Tembisa Hospital between 01 January 2020 and 01 September 2023.

“In November 2025, Mr Tshisele paid R13 530 904.27 to the SIU, representing a portion of his ill-got gains. The SIU’s civil investigation to recover all proceeds of corruption from Mr Tshisele remains ongoing.”