The family of former Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa, who died earlier this week amid corruption charges, says he tirelessly sought to prove his innocence. Brother Vusi Hlongwa shared the family's grief and request for privacy as they mourn.
Following the death of Brian Hlongwa on Tuesday after a short illness—as previously reported—his family has spoken out on his battle against fraud, corruption, and money laundering allegations tied to multi-million rand deals in the Gauteng health department.
Hlongwa, his wife Joeline, and six others faced trial in April 2026 over irregularities uncovered in a Special Investigating Unit report from his time as MEC. Speaking for the family, brother Vusi Hlongwa said: “He fought very hard to clear his name. He would have loved to have his day in court in the first two years of the allegations… unfortunately, this thing dragged for such a long time.”
Vusi added: “As far as the people of South Africa are concerned, I think the family would ask to be given the privacy to mourn the loss of our brother and surely, if he had his time, he would have proven his innocence.”
Funeral arrangements are not yet public, as the family grieves amid the unresolved legal proceedings.
