4 days ago
Former Transnet top executives granted bail in R93m tender fraud case
Two MK Party MPs, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, both of whom are former Transnet executives, were granted R50 000 bail each by the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court earlier today (June 30).
The pair is facing fraud and corruption charges related to Transnet's R54b locomotive tenders.
Molefe, Gama, former Transnet CFO Anoj Singh and the parastatal's former engineering chief executive Thamsanqa Jiyane appeared at the court following their arrest this morning.
Also rea: Former Transnet top executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama arrested
While the value of the entire Transnet locomotive procurement deals was R54b, the four former Transnet executives were being charged in relation to part of the tenders, which, according to the Hawks, were worth R93m.
It was the second time the two MK Party MPs, who were Transnet top executives between 2011 and 2019, were being arrested.
In 2022, the two former Transnet executives were arrested in connection with part of the parastatal's same R54b locomotive procurement, which involved a Gupta-linked company called Trillian Capital.
According to evidence before the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court, Trillian Capital was awarded contracts irregularly at different phases during the procurement process without participating in open bids.
Molefe, who was Transnet CEO from February 2011 to April 2015, was succeeded by Gama, who was previously the CEO of Transnet subsidiary Transnet Freight Rail.
Also read: R18,8b Transnet recovery loan approved
In 2018, the Transnet board commissioned a forensic investigation into the R54b locomotive tenders. The law firm appointed by the board, Mncedisi Ndlovu Sedumeni, found that the payments which Trillian received from Transnet were irregular.
Molefe and Gama were also implicated in the Zondo Commission which investigated state capture and corruption. In its report, the commission recommended that Molefe and Game should face a criminal investigation.
Meanwhile, the MK Party urged the courts to ensure that Molefe and Gama received a fair trial.
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