Opposition party, the Democratic Aliance (DA) says it is studying an affidavit filed by Prasa Chairperson, Popo Molefe, with the aim of laying criminal charges against those implicated in the latest allegations of corruption at the entity.
It was earlier this week that this affidavit contained allegations that the ANC as well as Prasa officials were the beneficiaries of a bribe in order for Swifambo Rail Leasing to secure the controversial Afro4000 Locomotive tender.
Molefe’s affidavit contains allegations of large-scale corruption involving the ANC and Zuma’s “friend”. The claim that about R80 million of the proceeds from the Prasa locomotives contract was channeled to the ANC stems from meetings Molefe and other Prasa officials had with Auswell Mashaba, Swifambo’s managing director, after news broke last year that the Spanish-built trains were too tall for South Africa’s rail network.
The DA says if the allegations are true, it is clear contravention of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act of 2004.
The allegations follow Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters’ instruction to discontinue an independent investigation into tender irregularities at Prasa, which was required as remedial action by the Public Protector. In the context of these latest developments, this conduct is even more suspect.
The ANC’s alleged involvement in this corruption reveals yet again that the party has changed. It is more concerned with putting a politically connected elite first, and the best interests of the people last.
The DA says corruption steals opportunities, creates unfairness, damages our economy, and hinders service delivery.
