Transnet has confirmed that it has served civil claims of R1.3bn on at least two individuals and several corporate concerns in ongoing forensic sleuthing that led to the sacking of former CEO Siyabonga Gama. The litigation specifically relates to evidence of tender fraud and procurement irregularities that a team of legal and forensic investigators has unearthed through investigating the acquisition of 1064 locomotives. Apart from Gama’s ignoble fall from grace, former Transnet group treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi tendered his resignation when he received a notice of suspension. However, fellow implicated officials, Thamsanqa Jiyane, Lindiwe Mdletshe and Edward Thomas have refused to buckle under the pressure of mounting graft evidence and are currently suspended. But Transnet chair Popo Molefe is resolute. He said in a statement that the “investigations and legal action are ongoing, and will not stop until we have ensured full accountability and recovered all money stolen from the public purse”.
