GIGABA APPEARS IN COURT AS TRANSNET CORRUPTION PROBE INTENSIFIES

Former minister  Dr Malusi Gigaba and ANC Member of Parliament appeared in court alongside four former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

Former public enterprises minister Dr Malusi Gigaba has appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, facing corruption charges related to three Transnet contracts he signed during his tenure.

Gigaba, an ANC Member of Parliament, was accompanied by four former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and Thamsanqa Jiyane.

The charges stem from a wide-scale corruption investigation into Transnet's multi-billion-rand locomotive procurement deal. Authorities allege that Gigaba accepted undisclosed amounts of cash from the Gupta family, which is believed to have influenced his decisions as minister.

Gigaba's court appearance marks a significant development in the National Prosecuting Authority's efforts to tackle state-capture era corruption. The investigation has already implicated several high-profile individuals, including former Transnet executives and government officials.

The matter has been postponed to January 30, 2026, for the disclosure of the docket and the provision of an indictment. Gigaba and his co-accused face serious charges, including corruption and fraud, which carry significant penalties.

The case has sent shockwaves through the ANC, with Gigaba's party colleagues distancing themselves from him. The outcome of the case is eagerly awaited, as it could have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption in South Africa.