Corruption crackdown at state-owned transport company in South Africa

Former South African Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba met with prosecutors on Friday after his office said he would face charges related to procurement activities at the state-owned rail operator Transnet SOC Ltd.

Gigaba met with the Investigating Directorate of the National Prosecuting Authority about allegations of “receiving an undeserved benefit,” his office said in a statement.

“This is not a procurement-related charge,” it added, a clarification of an earlier statement it made.

News24 earlier reported Gigaba wasn’t placed under arrest and didn’t appear in court, citing Henry Mamothame, a spokesman for the Investigating Directorate.

Mamothame couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.

A judicial panel that spent four years probing graft that took place during the former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure recommended in 2022 that Gigaba, who previously led the public enterprises ministry that oversaw Transnet, and former chief executive officers of the company should be investigated further with a view to prosecuting them for corruption and other crimes.

Gigaba served in the cabinet from 2010 until 2018, including as finance minister for a year after Zuma fired the respected Pravin Gordhan from the role in a late-night reshuffle of the executive.

Gigaba returned to parliament last year when he was elected as a lawmaker for the African National Congress.

“Gigaba remains willing to engage fully and transparently with the relevant authorities,” his office said.

“To date, no indictment has been issued, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegation.”