Ex-Gupta-owned mine pays R6.9m

Optimum Coal Mine, formerly owned by the infamous Gupta brothers, has paid back about R6.9 million in outstanding motor licence fees and penalties as part of an acknowledgement of debt (AOD) signed with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The AOD stems from a SIU investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the national and provincial departments of transport.

“The SIU’s investigation focused on any conduct by officials or agents of the department or any other person which relates to the registration of motor vehicle ownership and licensing details and non-payments of motor vehicle licensing fees, arrears and penalties,” the SIU said in a statement.

“The SIU analysed the information obtained from the department of transport and Road Traffic Management Centre, as well as the eNatis data.

“After sifting through the eNatis data, the SIU established that the department is owed the sum of R6 914 304 in respect of the trucks and smaller vehicles owned by Optimum.”

The corruption-busting unit said the recovery of the funds from Optimum “does not exempt other legal processes from being actioned”.

“The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the high court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said.

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