The freight rail industry and supply chain stakeholders eager to see improvement in South Africa’s capacity to move cargo from road to rail will have to wait until the middle of November for the finalisation of an investigation into alleged solicitation of bribes at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).
This emerged over the weekend after it was reported that a general manager for safety and security demanded backhanders of about R5 million to six potential contractors vying to safeguard sections of the country’s railway corridors.
To secure the contracts, reportedly worth R6.7 billion in total, bribes amounting to R30 million were apparently solicited.
This morning, the state-owned logistics company said: “There is an ongoing investigation through an independent investigator, which is due for completion (in) mid-November.
“Transnet has noted the allegations contained in the Sunday Times article with concern and will refer these to the independent investigator.”
The parastatal said it remained steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency and accountability.
