Cape Town — The Special Investigating (SIU) and Transnet signed several settlement agreements totalling more than R31 million after a Special Tribunal order set aside several unlawful contracts.
In a statement, the SIU said the agreements involve repayments from companies and individuals who benefitted due to irregular transactions. The SIU said it was part of an ongoing effort to recover financial losses suffered by the state.
“The SIU and Transnet approached the Special Tribunal following an investigation by the SIU. This investigation revealed that two former Transnet executives allegedly received unlawful financial benefits totalling approximately R10 million from service providers Superfecta Trading 209 and BBDM Bros Advertising Agency,” SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said.
In the first settlement agreement, the Special Tribunal ruled that Transnet Property were unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid when it awarded contracts to Superfecta Trading 209 (now Dynamic Power Engineering) for general installation and maintenance services in 2016 and 2017 respectively. The contracts were reviewed and set aside.
The first settlement agreement was concluded between the SIU, Transnet, and Dynamic Power Engineering (formerly Superfecta Trading 209). The deal follows the Special Tribunal’s ruling that the contract awarded to Dynamic Power in 2016 for installing two generators at the Carlton…
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 18, 2025
“Dynamic Power agreed to repay Transnet R21.4 million in net profits and legal costs as part of the settlement, with payments structured over three months,” Kganyago said.
The second settlement agreement was reached with Zakhele Ezekiel ‘Thabo’ Lebelo, his wife Aletta Mokgoro Mabitsi and the Thabo Lebelo Family Trust. Mr Lebelo was accused of receiving unlawful bribes and secret profits to the value of R5.2 million while he was at Transnet.
Under the settlement terms, the debt will be recovered via the sale of three reserved properties in Rosebank valued between R3.8 million and R4.2 million, as well as his pension benefits through the Transnet Retirement Fund.
“Should the proceeds be insufficient, Mr Lebelo and the Trust will remain liable for the outstanding balance. Furthermore, Mr. Lebelo and the Trust will contribute R250,000 towards the SIU and Transnet’s legal fees,” Kganyago said.
A second settlement agreement was reached with former Transnet Group Executive: Transnet Property, Mr Zakhele Ezekiel ‘Thabo’ Lebelo, his wife Aletta Mokgoro Mabitsi, and the Thabo Lebelo Family Trust. Mr Lebelo was accused of unlawfully receiving bribes and secret profits…
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 18, 2025
The third settlement agreement involves former Transnet Regional Manager, Mr Phathutshedzo and his wife, Mrs. Matlhodi Phillicia Mashamba. The debt settlement agreement involves the recovery of Mr Mashamba’s pension fund and the sale of a preserved property, valued between R6.5 million and R6.8 million.
The SIU said if the assets failed to cover the debt, the Mashamba’s will make equal payments across 12 months, and will also contribute an additional R250 000 towards the SIU and Transnet’s legal fees.
“These settlement agreements continue the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses suffered by State institutions and/or prevent further losses,” Kganyago added.
These settlement agreements continue the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses suffered by State institutions and/or prevent further losses.
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 18, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
