UniteBehind Joins PRASA Corruption Case: Court Allows Evidence Presentation
Colaboradores
Johannesburg - Activist organisation UniteBehind has been granted permission by the Johannesburg High Court to join the legal proceedings concerning alleged corruption within the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Former PRASA board members, implicated in the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture report, had sought to review and overturn the commission's findings against them.
This significant decision allows UniteBehind, led by veteran activist Zackie Achmat, to present and challenge evidence directly in the ongoing review application. Acting Judge Naki Stylianou acknowledged UniteBehind's extensive history of involvement in matters related to corruption and mismanagement at PRASA, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring accountability.
Unlike an amicus curiae, which provides assistance to the court, UniteBehind now participates as a respondent in the case, granting them broader powers to actively contest the claims made by the former board members. These board members, including former CEO Lucky Montana, and Sfiso Buthelezi, Bridgette Gasa, Nkosinathi Khena and Mmatebogo Nkoenyane face accusations of plundering PRASA.
Achmat emphasized that UniteBehind aims to protect the integrity of the state capture report and its findings concerning the PRASA officials. The organization intends to present further information and evidence to support the report's conclusions. The initial review application was launched by the former board members in 2022, following the release of Judge Raymond Zondo's report.
The AFRO-4000 Locomotive Controversy
The case has brought renewed focus on past controversies, including the purchase of the “too-tall” AFRO-4000 locomotives. These locomotives, supplied by Spanish rail company Vossloh España through Swifambo, a suspected front company, have become a symbol of the alleged corruption that plagued PRASA.
Implications for PRASA and Future Proceedings
This development marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and accountability regarding state capture within PRASA. UniteBehind's participation ensures a robust challenge to the former board members' attempts to discredit the Zondo Commission's findings. The proceedings are expected to reveal further details and potentially expose additional individuals involved in the alleged corruption. The case underscores the importance of civil society organisations in holding public officials accountable and safeguarding public resources.