The matter was postponed to allow for the disclosure of the docket, the provision of an indictment, and the setting of a date for the case to be transferred to the High Court. Former public enterprises minister Dr Malusi Gigaba, who was formally charged at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Tuesday (18/11), made his first appearance after being added as the fifth accused by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac).

Gigaba was issued with a summons on 7 November and voluntarily presented himself at the Palm Ridge court, where his case was joined with that of the other accused, said Idac spokesperson Henry Mamothame. Gigaba’s charges relate to the period November 2010 to May 2014, when he served as minister of public enterprises.

During that time, Transnet undertook major procurement processes to expand and modernise its rail fleet. Gigaba is accused alongside several former senior Transnet officials:

• Anoj Singh, former group chief financial officer
• Brian Molefe, former group chief executive officer
• Siyabonga Gama, former chief executive officer
• Thamsanqa Jiyane, former chief procurement officer for Transnet Freight Rail

“The accused’s court appearance emanates from the period in which Transnet engaged in the process of acquiring locomotives to expand and modernise the country’s rail infrastructure,” said Mamothame. “During this period, the tender processes were flouted, and three contracts were irregularly awarded to procure 95, 100, and 1,064 locomotives, resulting in a loss of billions of rands to Transnet.”

State capture ties

Gigaba was previously implicated in the Zondo Commission’s report into state capture. The second volume identified both Gigaba and former public enterprises minister Lynne Brown as key figures alleged to have facilitated Gupta-linked schemes to influence and loot state-owned entities, including Transnet, Eskom, and Denel.

The State now alleges that Gigaba received undisclosed cash payments from members of the Gupta family, describing these payments as corrupt and unlawful. 

All accused individuals were issued with an updated charge sheet during the proceedings.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh