Ex-Transnet execs Molefe, Gama to plead not guilty to fraud, corruption, money laundering charges against them
The two MK Party members of Parliament are appearing at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court after handing themselves over to the police earlier Monday.
Former Transnet executives (from left to right), Anoj Singh, Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama and Thamsanqa Jiyane appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 30 June 2025 on corruption, fraud and money laundering charges. Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, said that they intend to plead not guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering charges against them.
The two MK Party members of Parliament are appearing at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court after handing themselves over to the police earlier on Monday.
They’re appearing alongside Transnet’s former CFO, Anoj Singh, and top engineer, Thamsanqa Jiyane.
The group is linked to an alleged irregular payment of R93 million to a Gupta-linked company in 2015.
The commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture recommended that Molefe, Gama and Singh be investigated for allegedly diverting state funds to the controversial Gupta family.
It's understood that a contract to supply more than 1,000 locomotives to Transnet was originally awarded to another company, but this was later cancelled and given to Trillian Capital, which is linked to the Guptas.
An irregular invoice for R93 million was then reportedly issued to the company.
Molefe's lawyer read out her client's affidavit in court.
"I intend tendering a plea of not guilty on all the charges preferred against me at the commencement of my trial and I submit that the evidence against me is extremely weak."
The court is hearing the group's bail application.