Suspended Tembisa Hospital CEO Dies: Dr Ashley Mthunzi Passes Away

The Gauteng health department and the family of Dr Ashley Mthunzi, the suspended CEO of Tembisa Hospital, have confirmed his passing. Dr Mthunzi, who was in his 40s, passed away on Tuesday according to his wife, Lerato, who shared the news on Facebook.

Dr Mthunzi had been placed on precautionary suspension in August 2022 following serious allegations of improper procurement and payment of service providers at Tembisa Hospital. These allegations stemmed from the aftermath of concerns raised by whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, who was tragically murdered on August 23, 2021.

Amid ongoing investigations into the allegations, Dr Mthunzi’s suspension had kept him away from his role as the hospital’s CEO. The situation had created a cloud of uncertainty around the hospital’s administration and operations.

Gauteng Health, in a statement, extended its condolences to Dr Mthunzi’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time of mourning. The department acknowledged the impact of his passing on the healthcare community and the wider public.