By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Passenger Railway Agency of South Africa (Prasa) Board has placed the group’s Chief Information Officer, David Mphelo, on suspension.
Mphelo served as the group’s acting CEO for six months until 30 August this year, when he was replaced by Hishaam Emeran.
In a statement on Thursday, Prasa’s board said that, at a meeting on 9 November, it received a report regarding “serious allegations” against Mphelo.
“The allegations against Mphelo involve irregularities in recruitment and procurement, amongst others,” said the board.
“Given the gravity and seriousness of the allegations, the board resolved that it is in the best interest of Prasa that Mphelo be placed on suspension with immediate effect pending investigations.”
The agency has been hit by many high-profile suspensions and dismissals, along with fraud claims.
Last month, Prasa placed its acting legal head, Thato Tsautse, on precautionary suspension over allegations of misconduct of a “serious nature”.
A year ago, its CEO Zolani Matthews was suspended and summarily dismissed over an issue with his security clearance. The entity said Matthews carried UK citizenship which was not disclosed.
Prasa over the years has been plagued by a list of never-ending problems. Civil rights oversight body Corruption Watch has over the years cited a number of problems at the troubled provider of passenger railway services.
These include instability in key positions, poor financial management and discipline, inadequate oversight, no consequence management, and inadequate governance records.