This follows a decisive ruling by the special tribunal, which found that the awarding of the contracts was unlawful, procedurally flawed, and unconstitutional. 

The tribunal’s ruling, handed down on 5 May 2025, declared the multi-million-rand tenders for inter-facility emergency medical services invalid. In total, the Free State Department of Health paid R532,789,770.12 to companies affiliated with Hapelo Buthelezi despite the absence of valid contracts.

The payments included:

• R40,619,506.40 to Buthelezi One Stop Emergency Med
• R4,739,819.04 to Buthelezi One Stop EMS
• R305,196,897.00 to Buthelezi EMS
• R182,233,548.12 to B EMS

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the unit had instituted civil proceedings to review and set aside the irregular tenders awarded to Buthelezi EMS, as well as the subsequent contract. 

He said the move forms part of broader efforts to recover financial losses incurred by state institutions due to corruption or administrative negligence.

“Buthelezi and associated companies have been ordered to submit audited statements of expenses incurred, income received, and profit made under the unlawful contracts,” Kganyago said.

He added that the special tribunal also ordered Buthelezi to pay the legal costs of the application, including the SIU’s legal representation.

The investigation into the contracts was authorised under Proclamation 42 of 2019. Kganyago emphasised that the tribunal's order marks a significant step in implementing its findings and enforcing consequence management.

Buthelezi EMS owner Hapelo Buthelezi and his wife, Monica, appeared in court in 2022, facing criminal charges after allegedly defrauding the South African Revenue Service. 

The couple is accused of submitting false tax returns between 2014 and 2019, claiming their companies had not operated while they were in active business with the Free State Health Department.

The Buthelezis were charged with at least 95 counts and were released on bail of R30,000 each.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh