The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal order freezing an upmarket property in Meyersdal Nature Estate, Alberton, linked to businessman Thapelo Samuel Buthelezi, in an escalating legal effort to recover more than R532 million allegedly irregularly paid under Free State emergency medical services (EMS) contracts.
The order, issued by the Special Tribunal, prohibits Buthelezi from selling, transferring, mortgaging, or otherwise dealing with the property.
The matter forms part of a broader SIU investigation into inter-facility EMS contracts awarded by the Free State Department of Health to Buthelezi-linked companies, which the Tribunal has already found to be unlawful, procedurally irregular, and unconstitutional.
The SIU, an independent statutory body mandated to investigate corruption and maladministration, launched civil proceedings to review and set aside the tenders after identifying payments totalling R532,789,770.12 made to four companies associated with Buthelezi.
The Tribunal previously ordered repayment of funds paid under the contracts, including R40.6 million to Buthelezi One Stop Emergency Med, R4.7 million to Buthelezi One Stop EMS, R305.2 million to Buthelezi EMS, and R182.2 million to B EMS.
On 5 May 2025, the Tribunal also directed Buthelezi EMS to submit audited financial statements detailing income, expenditure, and profits derived from the contracts within 45 days. The SIU says the order was not complied with, despite repeated reminders.
Following continued non-compliance, the SIU initiated contempt proceedings. In an affidavit before the Tribunal, Buthelezi did not dispute knowledge of the order but cited financial constraints, lack of legal representation, and other difficulties as reasons for failing to comply.
A judicial case management meeting was held virtually on 12 September 2025, chaired by Special Tribunal President Margaret Victor at the request of the SIU.
On 23 January 2026, after Buthelezi failed to appear at a hearing, the Tribunal granted an interdict in favour of the SIU in relation to a 1,071 squarebmetre farm at 565 Parys in Ngwathe Local Municipality, Free State. The property is registered in the name of Buthelezi EMS, and the order similarly prohibits its sale, transfer, or encumbrance.
The SIU investigation was initiated under Proclamation 42 of 2019. It is being pursued under the authority of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, which empowers the SIU to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or High Court to recover losses suffered by the state.
The SIU has also reiterated that evidence of potential criminal conduct uncovered during its investigations is referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.