By Everson Luhanga
- The National Prosecuting Authority has formally charged Gigaba for his role in dodgy Transnet contracts, but he has not been arrested or appeared in court yet.
- Gigaba was in charge when Transnet handed out locomotive contracts worth over R50-billion, now under investigation for fraud and corruption.
Malusi Gigaba, the former Minister of Public Enterprises, is in trouble over one of South Africa’s biggest corruption scandals.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it is formally charging him for his role in dodgy procurement deals at Transnet while he was the shareholder minister.
Gigaba has not been arrested, but he handed himself over to police and is expected to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court soon.
His office confirmed that he received a notice to appear and said he will respect the law and fully cooperate with the case.
The corruption charges relate to Transnet’s R54-billion locomotive contracts with companies including China South Rail. These contracts were signed while Gigaba was Public Enterprises Minister between 2010 and 2014.
Investigators believe the contracts were rigged to benefit politically connected businessmen during the height of state capture.
The Zondo Commission found that Gigaba helped appoint Transnet executives like Brian Molefe and Anoj Singh, who later approved the controversial deals. Molefe and Singh have already appeared in court.
The deals were meant to boost local manufacturing and create jobs, but many of the trains were built overseas. Billions of rand were reportedly paid for locomotives that were delayed or not delivered at all.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), which is handling the case, said Gigaba “has not been placed under arrest” and that “there will be no court appearance today”.
Gigaba has denied any wrongdoing and said his conscience is clear.
He said: “My actions have always been guided by policy, process and the values of accountability and service.”
Transnet plays a crucial role in South Africa’s transport and trade system, moving freight by rail and running the country’s ports.
Billions in losses at Transnet during state capture have damaged the economy and public trust in government institutions.
The NPA has already brought charges against several other former executives. Now, with Gigaba formally charged, the spotlight is on the political heads who oversaw these massive contracts.
It’s not yet clear when exactly he will appear in court, or how many charges he faces. IDAC says it won’t comment further for now.
Pictured above: Malusi Gigaba.
Image source: @drmalusigigaba
