Former Transnet executives granted R50,000 bail over Gupta-linked corruption charges
The four appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni on Monday about a R5-billion fraudulent locomotives deal.
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Four former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane, have been granted R50,000 bail each following alleged corruption linked to the Guptas.
The matter will return to court in October to allow for final investigations.
The four appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni on Monday in connection with a R5-billion fraudulent locomotives deal.
This is after they handed themselves over to the police on Monday morning.
They are facing criminal charges in connection with a controversial R93-million payment tied to the Gupta family's business interests.
The payment, flagged during the State Capture Commission, relates to a 2015 contract initially awarded to a separate supplier for over 1,000 locomotives.
That deal was abruptly canceled and reassigned to Trillian Capital, a company with known Gupta ties.
Investigators alleged an irregular invoice for R93 million was issued to Trillian as part of the redirected contract.
The State Capture Commission recommended that Molefe, Gama, and Singh be investigated for their roles in the alleged diversion of public funds.
This case has become a focal point in ongoing efforts to hold key figures accountable for state capture and systemic corruption during the Zuma administration.
Meanwhile, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has come out in firm support of its senior MPs, saying this was a direct attack on black professionals, especially those affiliated with the party.
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused the justice system of engaging in what he described as “a troubling pattern of retaliation” against party members who have held state institutions to account.
“It is increasingly evident that when the MK Party challenges institutions captured or influenced by narrow political interests, our members become targets,” he said.
MKP said they will continue to challenge the unfairness of the system.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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