A Tembisa Hospital official and a Hawks sergeant appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, where they face corruption charges linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged wrongdoing at the hospital.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the two accused, Zacharia Chisele, 53, and Sergeant Papi Tsie, 41, are jointly charged with corruption following an alleged attempt to interfere with a current investigation. According to the NPA, the incident happened on 23 November 2025 when the pair met with a Hawks investigating officer who is handling a corruption probe at Tembisa Hospital.
During this meeting, it is alleged that Chisele and Tsie offered the investigating officer a gratification of R100 000. The payment was allegedly meant to ensure that Chisele would not be prosecuted in connection with the ongoing investigation at the facility. The NPA said the allegation formed the basis of the corruption charge brought against both men.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested the pair following the alleged bribery attempt. Their appearance on Monday marked their first court date in relation to the matter. Both accused were formally charged and informed of the state’s intention to oppose bail pending further investigations.
In court, the magistrate postponed the case to 02 December 2025. The postponement was granted to allow for bail investigations and for the accused to formally submit their bail application. The state indicated that additional information would be gathered ahead of the next appearance as part of the standard bail assessment process.
NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed the appearance and the charges. She said the matter forms part of broader investigations involving corruption allegations at Tembisa Hospital, which has been under scrutiny for procurement irregularities and related activities. The NPA, working with the Hawks, is continuing with investigations into the larger case.
The corruption allegation involving the R100 000 payment adds another layer to the developing investigation surrounding the hospital’s operations. Authorities said the latest case would run parallel to the existing probe, with both matters expected to proceed through the criminal justice system.
Chisele and Tsie are expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrates Court next week, where the court will consider their bail application while the state continues preparing the docket for further action.
