Parliament’s RAF inquiry hears Letsoalo had nine bodyguards, armoured vehicle

Parliament’s inquiry into financial mismanagement at the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has heard that former CEO Collins Letsoalo had nine bodyguards and an armoured vehicle to keep him safe.

RAF’s head of security, Stephens Msiza, sought to downplay the extent of their relationship after testifying that he had been headhunted from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to take care of Letsoalo’s security need at the RAF.

At a cost of more than R23 million over the past two and a half years, Msiza said he believed the jump from six to nine protectors was excessive, but Letsoalo was insistent his life and that of his family were under threat.

A former protector of Julius Malema when he was the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League president, Msiza testified that he first worked with Letsoalo at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

When Letsoalo became the RAF CEO, Msiza said he was headhunted from PRASA, where Letsoalo also previously worked, but denies usurping the roles of security managers who have previously testified to this effect.

Msiza said Letsoalo believed his life was at risk after a security breach at a RAF office in 2022, in which intruders drove around the car park brandishing guns.

But he claimed he disagreed with Letsoalo when he insisted the number of bodyguards be increased from six.

“Having nine security officers is absolutely nonsense, to say the least. I did not agree with that.”

Msiza also clarified that neither he nor Letsoalo have top security clearance, despite Letsoalo previously telling Parliament that he did.

“Mr Letsoalo was not vetted. He’s not vetted - let me put it that way.”

Msiza said the R4.4 million armoured vehicle used by Letsoalo is now parked at the RAF’s offices.

In 2024, protection officers spent R1.7 million on fuel.

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusivestories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.