Leaks implicate Prasa, Eskom, Transnet

THE public protector has launched a new investigation into allegations of influence-peddling and unlawful enrichment by certain officials within three state-owned firms after thousands of e-mails relating to alleged fraud were leaked.

The public protector’s office said in a statement yesterday it was investigating the allegations within Eskom, Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

Allegations of corruption have escalated this month after local media began reporting on more than 100 000 leaked e-mails they say show inappro- priate interference by the Gupta family and ministers in issuing lucrative tenders.

“The Public Protector of South Africa, advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has decided to conduct a preliminary investigation for the purpose of determining the merits of the several allegations published in the media,” the protector’s office said.

The latest allegations of influence-peddling are deepening a divide in the ANC as factions jostle for control before a conference in December where President Jacob Zuma’s successor as party leader will be chosen.

The investigation by the anti-corruption watchdog will focus on allegations of “improper or dishonest acts” with respect to the public funds at Prasa, Eskom and Transnet and “unlawful enrichment” by certain public officials at the firms, it said.

The investigation will also look at the reappointment of Brian Molefe as chief executive of Eskom amid graft allegations. He was reinstated last month, but ministers then reversed his reinstatement.

Molefe has denied wrongdoing as have the Gupta family, who are friends of Zuma, and their companies have also denied all allegations of influence-peddling or improper dealings.

Most of the allegations form part of “The State Capture” report by the public protector, released on November 2 last year, focusing on allegations that brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta had influenced the appointment of ministers.

The report had been taken on judicial review by Zuma, Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane and Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Desmond van Rooyen, the public protector said. – Reuters