Tembisa Hospital tender accused granted R200,000 bail

A 37-year-old businessman accused of being involved in a R635 million Tembisa Hospital tender scandal has been granted R200,000 bail.

Stefan Joel Govindraju appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge on Monday.

He faces 70 charges, including fraud, theft, money laundering and corruption-related offences linked to the procurement of medical supplies and equipment at Tembisa Hospital.

The National Prosecuting Authority alleges Govindraju was the beneficial owner of several companies that secured contracts from the hospital and the Gauteng Department of Health between January 2020 and April 2023.

The State alleges the companies were used in fronting and cover quoting schemes to create the impression that tenders were fair and competitive.

It further alleges that more than R41 million was paid as gratification to hospital officials to influence procurement processes.

The alleged conduct caused more than R583 million in prejudice.

The case returns to court on 29 September for plea proceedings.