By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The four former Transnet senior executives have been granted bail of R50 000 each in the Palmridge Specialised Crimes Court in Johannesburg.
Brian Molefe Anoj Singh, Niven Pillay, and Litha Nyhonyha were arrested on Monday morning on corruption-related charges.
The case relates to a R93-million corruption and fraud case linked to the procurement of more than 1 000 locomotives in 2015.
This follows the evidence that was presented to the commission of inquiry into state capture.
The accused join seven other accused including former Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama, former Transnet acting Group CFO Garry Pita, former Group Treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi, Gupta-linked companies Regiments shareholder Eric Wood and Trillian Asset Management Director Daniel Roy.
The State did not oppose bail.
The Democratic Alliance says their arrests are long overdue.
The party’s Glynnis Breytenbach believes the Guptas and ANC cadres have used Transnet as their own piggy bank.
“While others have already been charged in this case, it seems like the last chickens have finally come home to roost. The next step must be for the R41.2 billion contracts that were awarded to companies linked to the Guptas and their associates be recouped.”
GOOD Party MP, Brett Herron, says a functioning National Prosecuting Authority will help to restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Herron was reacting to the arrest of the former senior Transnet executives.
He says, “A functioning NPA and an effective policing and Hawks investigation process will help restore South Africans’ confidence in the criminal justice system. This morning’s arrests of Brian Molefe and Anoj Singh in connection with allegations of corruption around Transnet’s acquisition of trains is an important step in the right direction and we are looking forward to seeing those who are alleged to have committed crimes facing criminal prosecutions and if they are found guilty, ultimately convicted and imprisoned.”
They are expected back in court on October 14.