The Special Tribunal has ordered that five luxury properties, as well as pension benefits worth R1.8 million, linked to former Transnet executives and their spouses to be frozen, pending an application to have them forfeited to the state.
Transnet together with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) secured the interim restraint order on Monday. The order was issued by Judge Lebogang Modiba.
The Special Tribunal order dated 8 August 2022, prohibits Zakhele Lebelo, his wife Alletta Mokgoro Mabitsi, and Phathutshedzo Brighton Mashamba and his wife Matlhodi Phillicia Mashamba from leasing, donating, selling or even transferring the titles of their properties in Dainfern and Rosebank.
In a statement on Tuesday, the SIU and Transnet said the properties were allegedly funded by “unlawful activities”, funded by money received from service providers contracted by Transnet.
“Therefore, the luxury properties constitute proceeds of unlawful activities hence the application for a preservation order pending the final determination of the review application,” said the SIU.
A golf estate property in Dainfern offers 24 hours security, a clubhouse with restaurant and conference facilities, squash courts, swimming pools, tennis courts and a range of activities. Prices on properties in Dainfern range from R4 million to R35 million for a mansion with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
The SIU and Transnet approached the Special Tribunal after an investigation revealed that Transnet executives received unlawful financial benefits worth R10 million from Transnet service providers, Superfecta Trading 209 and BBDM Bros Advertising Agency.
“The executives allegedly used unlawful financial benefits to acquire luxury properties on behalf of Trusts administered by themselves and their spouses,” said the SIU.
Mashamba was suspended from his position as Regional Manager: Coastal in 202, pending the SIU’s investigation.
Lebelo resigned with immediate effect on 28 November 2018, pending a disciplinary inquiry.
Source: Eyewitness News, Fin24, The Citizen, Sowetan Live, image from Twitter: Sowetan Live