Transnet suspends property boss

Leonard Neill TRANSNET HAS suspended Chain Vilakazi, head of property management at Spoornet, as part of the investigations into allegations of improper practices concerning the sale of Spoornet houses. Vilakazi's suspension follows that of Spoornet chief executive Zandile Jakavula who has been accused of acting inappropriately in purchasing a former Spoornet house in Port Alfred. Both men have been served with charge sheets from Transnet. "It is good that we have the charges so that we are fully aware of the allegations we are facing," Vilakazi said last week. "It is a very traumatic experience, and we hope to get it finalised soon so that we can get our dignity back and get on with our lives." As the person in charge of property deals at the rail parastatal, he is considered to have played a major role in securing the R80 000 property for Jakavula. According to Transnet chief executive Makifa Mkwanazi, the internal hearing into the accusations is scheduled to start 'as soon as possible', and he hopes it will be concluded in a matter of weeks. A retired judge is expected to be appointed to preside over the hearing. Jakavula is said to have purchased the Port Alfred house and had it renovated at a cost of R350 000 using Spoornet funds, which he subsequently repaid.