The former Director General at the Department of Transport Mr George Mahlalela and his co-accused, Zakhele Gilbert Thwala (56), Sibusiso Justin Ncube (48) and Tebogo Kgosietsile Trevor Mphuti (45), appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday after they were arrested for fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Mahlalela, the Director General at the national Department of Transport at the time, allegedly spearheaded the renewal of the eNaTIS contract without following proper procedure.
The Hawks investigation has revealed that soon after the contract was renewed, Tasima (Pty) Ltd, a company that owns eNaTIS, deposited millions of rand to Mahlalela’s bank account. Thwala, Ncube and Mphuti also benefited from the entire deal.
The four were released on R10 000 bail each and their case has been postponed to 20 July 2016 to allow for further investigation.
The National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza said the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused should serve as a warning to all officials that crime does not pay.
“While one does not want to prejudge the matter, this should serve as a warning to all departmental officials to do their work with honesty and integrity. In fact, these kind of allegations would not even arise if officials do their jobs which they get paid for diligently and conscientiously.
“The Hawks are committed to fighting fraud and corruption and I have committed to the people of this country that I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that government officials discharge their duties with utmost honesty. If we believe there is reason to be suspicious, we will not hesitate to arrest those responsible and let the law take its course,” said Ntlemeza.
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