Special Tribunal Authorises Sale of R10m Ferrari Linked to Tembisa Hospital Corruption Probe
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
Special Tribunal Authorises Sale of R10m Ferrari Linked to Tembisa Hospital Corruption Probe
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal ruling authorising the curator-led sale of a luxury Ferrari SF90 Stradale tied to the MHR Maumela Family Trust.
The vehicle—originally purchased for over R11.1 million in April 2022—is among several luxury assets preserved under a September 2025 court order. The assets are connected to an ongoing SIU investigation into alleged corruption and maladministration at Gauteng’s Tembisa Hospital, where an estimated R2 billion was allegedly looted.
Key Financial Details & Court Findings
Purchase Price (April 2022): R11,126,662.22
Current Valuations: Placed between R10.165 million and R10.2 million.
Storage & Insurance Overhead: Running costs include R5,000/month for storage, R8,333.33/month for insurance, R104,857 for battery replacement, and approximately R408,000 for factory warranty reinstatement.
Approved Floor Price: The curator is authorized to sell the supercar for no less than R9.5 million (matching a direct purchase offer from Ferrari South Africa).
Special Tribunal President Judge Bernard Makgabo Ngoepe ruled that selling the supercar was a prudent measure to halt continuous storage and maintenance drain. He noted that placing the proceeds into an interest-bearing account would protect and potentially grow the asset's value pending the outcome of the main corruption trial.
Summary of Special Tribunal Orders
Asset Liquidation: Curator Jacobus Gideon Louw Van Wyk is authorized to sell the Ferrari SF90 Stradale for a minimum of R9.5 million.
Ring-Fenced Funds: Sale proceeds must be placed into a dedicated interest-bearing trust account to maintain assets under curatorship, subject to explicit SIU authorization. Proceeds cannot be used to cover curator fees.
Dismissal of Counterclaim: The "Maumela Syndicate’s" application seeking the removal of Curator Van Wyk was dismissed with costs.
Punitive Costs Award: The MHR Maumela Family Trust and Mr. Hangwani Morgan Maumela were ordered to pay all application and counterclaim legal costs on an attorney-and-own-client scale, including the fees of two counsel (one Senior Counsel).
Acting SIU Head Mr. Leonard Lekgetho emphasized that the judgment ensures preserved assets do not depreciate into financial liabilities before legal proceedings wrap up. Under Proclamation 136 of 2023, the SIU continues its broad investigation into the Gauteng Department of Health, with criminal evidence regularly referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
