The Johannesburg High Court has granted the State permission to permanently seize assets worth R326 million from businessman Hangwani Maumela.

The court approved a final forfeiture order obtained by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit on Monday.

The order covers assets held by Maumela and companies affiliated with him.

A final forfeiture order means ownership of the affected properties and luxury items passes to the State.

The assets can now be sold at auction.

Luxury properties and vehicles seized

The forfeited assets include luxury properties in Bantry Bay and the Zimbali Estate.

At least four Lamborghini vehicles are also included in the order.

The State will also seize a luxury Pontoon boat valued at about R2 million.

The NPA said the assets form part of its efforts to recover the proceeds of alleged corruption and prevent accused syndicates from using the money to resist investigations and prosecutions.

“The Asset Forfeiture Unit is an important tool to disrupt the syndicates and ensure that they do not use the same money to fight the State,” NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.

Order linked to Tembisa Hospital

The matter is connected to alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng.

The investigation centres on claims that a group of well-connected businesspeople received inflated tenders and contracts worth about R2 billion.

Maumela has been accused in connection with the alleged procurement scheme.

The forfeiture order deals with the assets and does not replace the separate criminal proceedings connected to the wider investigation.

Funds to return to health department

Kganyago said proceeds raised when the assets are sold will be reinvested in the Gauteng Department of Health.

The decision means money recovered through the forfeiture process could be redirected to the department affected by the alleged corruption.

The final order marks a significant step in the State’s attempt to recover assets linked to the Tembisa Hospital scandal.

The auction process is expected to convert the seized properties, vehicles and other luxury goods into funds for the provincial health system.