Executives, Gupta-linked Bex worked to defraud Transnet

Under the guise of “stimulating the Durban economy”, Transnet executives in 2015 approved a dubious “relocation” of original equipment manufacturers Bombadier and China North Rail (CNR) from Pretoria to Durban at a staggering cost of R1.2 billion, the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture heard yesterday.

The 2018 National Treasury report confirmed that Transnet Freight Rail senior executive Ravi Nair wrote a memorandum to chief executive Siyabonga Gama on May 19, 2015, requesting approval for the negotiation of the relocation of Bombardier and China North Rail to Durban at a total cost of R1.2 billion – paid from the contingency fees.

In his testimony at the commission of inquiry yesterday, MNS Attorneys director Thobani Mnyandu told Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo that:

• There was a pact between China North Rail and the Gupta-linked BEX, which was entitled to earn a R67 million fee from the relocation deal based on a risk-sharing model “which was very suspicious”; and
• International law firm Hogan Lovells suspected “accounting irregularities” regarding BEX’s fees. This included alleged misrepresentations to Transnet on the cost of relocation.

Drawing on previous evidence given by chartered accountant Roberto Gonsalves, Zondo said: “There are certain things that are not explained. Maybe, maybe not, the true cost might have been lower.” To justify the high costs associated with the relocation, Mnyandu said Transnet executives came up with “costs for flights and accommodation for four people who could not be identified”.

According to him, the use of the term “relocation” was “a misnomer” because neither Bombadier nor China North Rail had set up any manufacturing device in Pretoria before relocating to Durban”.

The Treasury report has listed broad-based black economic empowerment partners to the original equipment manufacturers to include Kopano Ke Matla Investment Company, owned by the Congress of SA Trade Unions. Mnyandu continues testimony today.

– brians@citizen.co.za

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