By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
State-owned passenger rail company the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has dismissed an employee for the alleged theft of R34.5-million.
PRASA detected irregular payments during routine financial review processes, which was escalated to senior leadership.
The investigation revealed three fraudulent transactions executed by a PRASA employee totalling R9,547,000.
On being interrogated by the investigators, the employee admitted to committing the fraud and subsequently returned the stolen funds.
PRASA immediately suspended the employee and reported the matter to the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The agency continued the internal investigation and unearthed additional fraudulent transactions by the same individual amounting to R24,976,747.30.
Upon interrogation, the same employee also confessed to these additional unauthorised transactions.
“As an outcome of the process, the employee was dismissed, and a fraud case against him is pending. The investigation helped pinpoint internal control deficiencies that enabled the fraud. PRASA has introduced enhanced measures to bolster internal controls and prevent future fraud.
“PRASA’s management remains committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability. Going forward, the organisation will remain vigilant against potential financial irregularities, “the agency said.