Controversial businessman Hamilton Ndlovu arrested for allegedly assaulting girlfriend amid PPE corruption scandal

Johannesburg businessman Thabiso Hamilton Ndlovu, who has been at the center of a multi-million rand PPE corruption scandal, is now facing additional legal trouble. Ndlovu appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an altercation with his girlfriend.

Alleged Assault Incident

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the assault charges stem from an incident that took place on February 1, 2025, at Ndlovu’s Bryanston residence.

“She reported that Ndlovu had taken her phone and found conversations between her and one of his friends. This left him infuriated. She, however, managed to escape and reported the matter to the Sandton SAPS,” Mjonondwane said.

Ndlovu was subsequently arrested and remains in custody. He is scheduled to return to court on February 13, 2025, for a formal bail application.

Ndlovu’s PPE Corruption Scandal

The assault case adds to the legal woes of the controversial businessman, who has been embroiled in a major PPE corruption scandal.

In November 2024, Ndlovu was sentenced to 30 days in jail for contempt of court after failing to surrender his assets as part of a forfeiture order issued by the Special Tribunal. Additionally, he was handed a suspended fine of R500,000 for failing to comply with a previous court ruling from June 2022.

The forfeiture order was implemented to reclaim debt owed to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) after Ndlovu and his associated companies secured PPE tenders worth a staggering R172 million.

After an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Special Tribunal ruled that the contracts were irregular and should be set aside. Ndlovu and his companies were then ordered to repay R158 million, plus interest, to the state.

Luxury Bryanston Mansion Sold at Auction

As part of the efforts to recover stolen public funds, a Bryanston mansion linked to Ndlovu was auctioned for R7.1 million in September 2023.

The North Gauteng High Court had previously dismissed Ndlovu’s attempt to halt the sale. This allowed the SIU and NHLS to proceed with the auction, ensuring that some losses were recovered.

“The SIU obtained and analysed bank statements of Ndlovu’s front companies and other linked individuals. The analysis revealed that almost 90% of the funds flowed directly to Ndlovu for personal use, rather than for the purchase of PPE,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

How Ndlovu Abused the COVID-19 Emergency Procurement System

During the first half of 2020, when South Africa was in a state of emergency due to COVID-19, the NHLS adopted an emergency procurement procedure to fast-track PPE acquisition.

However, investigations later revealed that companies linked to Ndlovu took advantage of this system to secure fraudulent contracts.

According to the SIU’s findings:

• Ndlovu’s companies were awarded PPE contracts despite not having the necessary resources.
• Out of the R172 million received, only R15 million appeared to have been used for actual PPE purchases.
• The remaining R157 million was allegedly used for personal gain, including purchasing luxury homes, high-end cars, and other extravagant items.

In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorized an SIU investigation through Proclamation R.23 of 2020, targeting corruption, malpractice, and irregularities in government procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Next for Ndlovu?

With Ndlovu still in custody for the assault case, legal experts believe that his ongoing corruption cases may weaken his chances of securing bail.

The state’s legal teams are pushing for further investigations into his financial dealings, as well as any remaining hidden assets that could be recovered.

Meanwhile, activists and watchdog groups continue to demand greater accountability for those who abused COVID-19 emergency funds. The Ndlovu case remains one of the most high-profile corruption cases in post-pandemic South Africa.

His upcoming bail hearing on February 13, 2025, will determine whether he remains in custody or will be released under strict conditions. However, his history of non-compliance with court orders may work against him.

As the investigation into his financial crimes continues, authorities are committed to ensuring that public funds lost to corruption are recovered, and that justice is served.