Hawks ‘must come clean’ on probe

INVESTIGATION APPEARS TO HAVE STALLED Report suggested evidence of improper conduct, nepotism and maladministration.

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) yesterday called on acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba to urgently intervene and order the Hawks to come clean about the progress of investigations into alleged corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

This comes after Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi allegedly confirmed in writing to Fedusa’s affiliate in the passenger transport sector, the United National Transport Union (Untu), that investigations into allegations pertaining to Prasa were continuing, but that the Hawks were not obliged to go into the details.

In 2015, then public protector Thuli Madonsela found that Prasa failed to comply with its own supply-chain policy. She found widespread maladministration and impropriety in the awarding of contracts worth R2.6 billion.

Last month, the High Court in Pretoria reviewed and set aside Prasa’s 2013 controversial contract for new locomotives with little-known company, Swifambo Rail Leasing, as it was mired in controversy after the Afro 4000 locomotives were declared unsuitable for local rail lines.

Untu general secretary Steve Harris said two years have passed since Madonsela released her report titled “Derailed” in which she found widespread evidence of maladministration, improper conduct and nepotism.

“Until now no individuals have been brought before the courts,” Harris said in a statement.

“On June 6, 2017, Untu wrote a letter to Lieutenant-General Mothiba asking him for feedback on the Hawks investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption at Prasa after the now former Prasa board alleged the Hawks refused to investigate the allegations. Despite several reminders, Mothiba has not responded. “Untu again appeals to the SA Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to stop undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system by arresting and prosecuting the culprits without the courts ordering them to do so.”

Outgoing Prasa chairperson Popo Molefe has accused former and current transport ministers of undermining the board’s ability to do proper investigations into the “Derailed” report.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse filed an application at the High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday to intervene in a case aimed at prosecuting those who siphoned off about R5.4 billion in railway contracts at Prasa. – ANA

Stop undermining public confidence in system.