Swifambo rail
Zondo rebukes Prasa’s attempt to have head of legal testify
Evidence leader advocate Vas Soni said he received a letter from the rail agency after Ngoye said she wants to respond to the evidence of former group CEO Lucky...
Former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) CEO Lucky Montana said that the African National Congress (ANC) could not distance itself from the fundraising efforts of Maria Gomez or donations from Bosasa’s Gavin Watson.
The commission heard evidence by liquidators and forensic investigators who looked at money flows from the company that appear to have been a front for German company Vossloh Rail.
But he said the liquidators were negotiating a settlement that would benefit the state-owned enterprise for up to R1.5 billion.
Speaking at the state capture commission on Thursday, Sacks said Mashaba had stated that he paid the money but he was not sure if the money reached the party.
Voslooh was contracted by Swifambo to supply the 70 locomotives, that were ordered by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) for R3.5-billion.
DCJ Zondo made the comments on Wednesday after testimony by forensic investigator Marc Sacks about how the company was formed specifically for the r3.5billion locomotives contract from Prasa.
Forensic investigator Ryan Marc Sacks unravelled how money was paid to Swifambo Rail when it was awarded a R3.5 billion contract and how some of it flowed from that company to others and individuals.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has instructed the secretary of the commission to lay a criminal complaint against Auswell Mashaba.
Director of Swifambo Rail, which was awarded contracts by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Auswell Mashaba was summonsed to testify on Wednesday. But his lawyers said he wouldn’t be appearing.
Prasa paid R2.6 billion for the locomotives but the full complement was not delivered.
Police are investigating after the DA lodged a complaint relating to a R3,5 billion tender.
Popo Molefe detailed how Swifambo told him payments of up to R80m were made to various political parties.
Concerns were raised by the public protector and the Auditor General about the deal.
Prasa filed papers on Friday which have formed the start of the formal legal process.