Two Former Transnet Executives Arrested in R93 Million Tender
Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama have been arrested in connection with a controversial R93 million locomotive procurement deal.
Molefe and Gama, who both held high-ranking positions at Transnet, reportedly handed themselves over to authorities on June 30, 2025. They are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court to face charges related to fraudulent activities surrounding the tender process.
The R93 million tender is linked to a payment made in 2015 to Trillian Asset Management, a company implicated in various state capture schemes. Molefe, who served as Transnet’s CEO from 2011 to 2015, and Gama, who succeeded him, are among five former executives facing charges. The other individuals include former CFO Anoj Singh and Engineering Chief Executive Thamsanqa Jiyane.
Civil society organizations, including the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), have welcomed the arrests. OUTA’s spokesperson speaking vene said, “These arrests are a crucial step in restoring public trust in our institutions. We hope this case will lead to accountability for those who have misused public funds.”
However, the accused have maintained their innocence. A representative for Molefe commented, “We are confident that the legal process will vindicate Mr. Molefe, as he has always acted in the best interests of Transnet and its stakeholders.”
Both Molefe and Gama have political ties to the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.