The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Transnet have obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal freezing luxury properties and pensions linked to Transnet executives and their spouses.
The assets are valued at approximately 1.8 million rand pending the final determination of civil proceedings for damages or losses and confiscation of secret profits.
SIU Compliance Order
The order of the Special Tribunal dated 8 August 2022 prohibits Zakele Lebela, his wife Aletha Mokgor Mabitsa and Phatusedzo Brighton Mashamba and his wife Matlhodi Phylicia Mashamba from selling, renting, donating or transferring ownership of their luxury properties in Rosebank and Danfern.
The SIU’s investigation revealed that the property was allegedly financed with money received from service providers contracted by Transnet.
“Thus, luxury real estate is the proceeds of illegal activities, so the application for
order of stay pending final determination of the review application,” the SIU said in a statement.
The luxury properties are now under the care of a curator.
Illegal financial benefits
SIU and Transnet approached Special tribunal following an investigation which revealed that two Transnet executives allegedly received illicit financial benefits of around R10 million from Transnet service providers Superfecta Trading 209 (Superfecta) and BBDM Bros Advertising Agency (BBDM).
“The executives allegedly used illicit financial gains to purchase luxury properties on behalf of trusts managed by themselves and their spouses,” the SIU said.
Superfecta has provided electrical and technical services to Transnet since 2016, and BBDM secured a long-term lease of the Carlton Skyrink building from Transnet Property in 2015.
Between February 2016 and August 2018, Superfecta earned more than 64 million rand in payments from Transnet as a result of its business with Transnet Property.
Between March 2015 and June 2018, BBDM paid installation allowances totaling over R73 million to tenants.
The order of the Special Tribunal prohibits and restricts the Transnet Pension Fund from paying or transferring any benefits it has that are due to Lebela, who resigned in November 2018, pending a disciplinary investigation.
On 16 May 2022, Transnet suspended Mashamba as Regional Manager: Coastal Region pending an investigation by the SIU.
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