Johannesburg – Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, accused of corruption in connection with the multibillion-rand Transnet locomotive procurement scandal, cut a stern figure when he appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
In the dock with Gigaba on Friday, 30 January 2026, were four other accused who were Transnet officials when the crimes were allegedly committed more than a decade ago.
The case stems from alleged irregularities in the acquisition of 1 064 locomotives, where procurement processes were purportedly manipulated, costs inflated, and benefits directed to preferred bidders, including entities linked to the fugitive Gupta family.
The accused included former Transnet Group Chief Financial Officer Anoj Singh, former Group Chief Executive Officer Brian Molefe, former Chief Executive Officer Siyabonga Gama, and former Chief Procurement Officer Thamsanqa Jiyane.
An indictment was formally served on all five accused.
“The state confirmed on record the service of the notice of trial and indictments on the accused,” said IDAC Spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
The indictments served on the accused relate to the period in which Transnet engaged in the process of acquiring locomotives.
Mamothame said allegations are that tender processes were flouted, and three contracts were irregularly awarded to provide Transnet with 95, 100, and 1 064 locomotives, resulting in Transnet losing billions of rand.
The former Transnet officials were arrested in mid 2025 and have made several court appearances since then.
Gigaba was added as the fifth accused and charged in November 2025 by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
The former minister, who is out on warning, and the other accused in the matter deny any wrongdoing.
The case has been transferred to the Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg) for trial, scheduled to begin on 12 February 2026.
Singh, Molefe, Gama, and Jiyane had their bail extended and were allowed to go home after the brief appearance.
