Hamilton Ndlovu's appeal attempt dismissed by high court

The latest legal bid to avoid paying back the state by embattled businessman Hamilton Ndlovu has failed in the Pretoria High Court. 

Ndlovu approached the court to appeal a Special Tribunal ruling which set aside unlawful ppe contracts worth R158 million at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).

But his appeal lapsed as it was not filed on time, and he approached the court for condonation, which was dismissed on Wednesday.

Nineteen contracts worth R172 million were awarded to companies linked to Ndlovu in 2021.

But investigations by the Special Investigating Unit revealed that only R13.8 million was spent on PPE, with nearly 90% of the funds diverted to luxury assets and personal enrichment. 

The Pretoria High Court found they had no prospects of success in overturning the ruling, which set aside unlawful ppe contracts awarded by the NHLS and ordered the repayment of R158.8 million. 
  
"Their explanation for the delay was described by the court as superficial, contradictory and dishonest," said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

Kganyago said this ruling effectively closes the door on the appeal.