Optimum Coal Mine, embroiled in the Gupta state-capture saga, will repay approximately R6.9 million in unpaid motoring licences and fees after signing an Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
According to the unit, the fees and penalties were accumulated between January 2018 and November of last year regarding the trucks and smaller vehicles owned by Optimum.
"The AoD stems from the SIU's investigation under Proclamation R.37 of 2017, which authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the national and provincial Departments of Transport.
“The SIU's investigation focused on any conduct by officials or agents of the department or any other person relating to the registration of motor vehicle ownership and/or licensing details, as well as non-payments of motor vehicle licensing fees, arrears, and penalties.
"After sifting through eNatis data, the SIU has determined that the department is owed a sum of R6 914 304 in arrears. The SIU then wrote a letter of demand to Optimum, requiring payment of the licensing fees, arrears, and accumulated penalties on those vehicles. Optimum will pay the debt in six equal instalments of R1 152 384," the SIU said.
The corruption-busting unit stated that the AoD does not exclude any potential for future legal action against the mine.
"The SIU is empowered to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to rectify any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
“In accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action," the unit said. - SAnews.gov.za
