Brian Molefe alongside Anoj Singh and their co-accused appear in court on the Transnet corruption case 13 May 2024

13 May 2024

Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama, Garry Pita, Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Regiments Capital Directors Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonhya, Trillian Asset Management's Director Daniel Roy (Novum Asset Management), Kuben Moodley, and Albatime Pty Ltd owner, appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on charges of the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and fraud. Their case was postponed to 11 October 2024 for a trial date. All parties agreed that the state would reply by 17 September 2024 to further particulars from the defence attorneys.

The state has put it on record that it objects to Adv Shaun Abrahams representing Brian Molefe in the matter, as he was the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) when a strategy was put in place for prosecuting the matter. Judge Mohamed Ismail ordered both parties to resolve the matter within two weeks.

Their charges which include fraud, corruption, and money laundering, stem from the locomotives transaction advisory tender awarded to the McKinsey-led consortium in 2012, resulting in the procurement of 1064 locomotives valued at over R54 billion. Regiments Capital was irregularly brought into the contract and benefited from Transnet's irregular appointment, increasing the contract's value and scope to over R305 million.

Their services included sourcing loans from the China Development Bank and the Club loan, amounting to $2.5 billion, equivalent to R30 billion at the time, on behalf of Transnet. Additionally, the accused also face charges related to the R93.4 payment to Trillion Asset Management in 2015.

The NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID) is on course in ensuring that those allegedly responsible for state capture are held accountable and that impunity is no longer a given.

All the accused are expected back in court in October when the matter resumes.

Issued by Henry Mamothame, Spokesperson, Investigating Directorate, 13 May 2024