Hawks boss says net closing in on corruption at PRASA

CAPE TOWN - Hawk head Godfrey Lebeya says they're hot on the heels of people, who might be linked to corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

This follows the sentencing of the former head of engineering, Daniel Mthimkhulu. 

He was handed a 15-year jail term for corruption. 

Mthimkhulu was found to have misrepresented his qualifications when he worked for the rail agency between 2010 and 2015. 

READ: Hawks welcome sentencing of PRASA fraudster Mthimkhulu

He claimed to have several mechanical engineering qualifications, including a degree from Wits University as well as a doctorate from a German university. 

"There are other investigations that are continuing. A number of statements have been obtained and the financial accounting investigators are still working on those so that they can tighten the loose ends. Once the investigation has been completed, the National Prosecuting Authority will make a decision," said Lebeya.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said they were dealing with a few rotten apples within the South African Police Service (SAPS).  

READ: 'We are on their heels': Mchunu says police closing in on extortionists

He said corruption in the police service is an ongoing problem that they are slowly getting rid of. 

Last week, retired senior police officer Thuto Phefo was found guilty of corruption by the Kimberley Regional Court. 

He was convicted of selling a memorandum for a managerial post to a shortlisted candidate. 

Mchunu said corrupt cops must choose which colour of uniform they want to wear.

"They can't afford as police officers to uphold the law on one end but be corrupt on the other, they must choose one. If they want to be corrupt, they must jump the line, so that we deal with you as a criminal," said Mchunu.