Gigaba to appear in court over Gupta-linked Transnet corruption charges

Former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba is set to appear at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Friday in connection with his arrest late last year over alleged corruption linked to Transnet SOC Ltd’s multibillion-rand locomotive procurement programme.

The state alleges that Gigaba accepted undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family while serving as minister of public enterprises.

Gigaba, who also serves as co-chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, first appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court in November 2025 on a corruption charge related to three Transnet contracts signed during his tenure.

Authorities are investigating widespread corruption connected to Transnet’s locomotive procurement programme, including a controversial R54-billion deal.

Last year in November, Gigaba visited the offices of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in Lynnwood, Pretoria East. 

At the time, IDAC confirmed he had not been arrested and would not appear in court that day.

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Gigaba faces a corruption charge alongside four former Transnet executives - Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh and Thamsanqa Jiyane. 

The four were released on R50,000 bail each in June after being charged with corruption linked to the Gupta family.

“Dr Gigaba’s court appearance relates to the period between November 2010 and May 2014, when the alleged offences were committed during his tenure as minister of public enterprises,” Mamothame said.

He said tender processes for acquiring locomotives were flouted, with three contracts for 95, 100 and 1,064 locomotives irregularly awarded, resulting in billions of rands in losses for Transnet.

“The state alleges that during this period Dr Gigaba, on various occasions, accepted and received undisclosed amounts of cash from members of the Gupta family, which were corrupt in nature and to which he was not entitled,” Mamothame said.

All the accused have been presented with an updated charge sheet. 

The matter has been postponed to January 30, 2026, for disclosure of the docket, provision of an indictment and to set a date for the case’s transfer to the High Court.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) previously confirmed that Gigaba, an ANC National Executive Committee member and former public enterprises minister, has stepped aside from party responsibilities following the corruption charge.

“The ANC welcomes the principled and voluntary decision by comrade Dr Malusi Gigaba to step aside from his responsibilities following his recent court appearance,” acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli said in a statement.

“In keeping with the ANC constitution and the resolutions of the 55th National Conference, Gigaba has demonstrated respect for organisational processes and acted to protect the integrity and reputation of the movement,” she said.

The party said the decision aligns with its renewal agenda and demonstrates its commitment to accountability.

“The step-aside rule is not a presumption of guilt, but a responsible organisational measure to safeguard public confidence while legal processes unfold,” the statement said.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula previously confirmed that Gigaba had been charged with corruption and would voluntarily step aside from party activities.

Mbalula said the rule applies to all members facing criminal charges or who have appeared in court.

“The Malusi case has been dealt with,” he said. “From the ANC’s side, Malusi has been charged with corruption. He will have to step aside. He will do that voluntarily.”

The ANC has previously applied the step-aside rule to former secretary-general Ace Magashule, charged with corruption and fraud linked to an asbestos tender, and to Zizi Kodwa, who stepped aside last year following state capture-related charges.

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