Latest news with #Prasa
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Prasa says it is cooperating with Hawks amid R18 billion tender probe
Prasa is cooperating fully with the Hawks after a raid on its offices linked to an investigation into irregular tenders worth billions. The agency stresses transparency and accountability in the probe. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is under intense scrutiny after the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) executed a high-profile raid at its Braamfontein headquarters on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The operation forms part of an escalating investigation into irregular tenders allegedly worth a staggering R18 billion. In a letter released on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following the raid, Prasa stated that it is 'fully cooperating' with the Hawks after the seizure of laptops, cell phones, and critical documentation from senior executives' offices. The agency emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability, and its core mission of providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail services to the public. The Hawks obtained a search warrant to collect various information and electronic devices amid increasing allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the agency. However, authorities have been tight-lipped about the specifics, aiming to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Prasa welcomed the Hawks' involvement and assured the public that it has nothing to hide and remains committed to supporting all legitimate investigative processes. ''The Agency has nothing to hide and stands ready to provide complete cooperation to law enforcement authorities,'' said Prasa. Prasa also said it will 'provide further updates as appropriate, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation.' National spokesperson for the Hawks, Brigadier Thandi Mabombo, confirmed the operation, stating: 'An operation was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation. To protect the integrity of our investigation, we cannot disclose details about that operation.' [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Prasa initiates probe into R18bn tender after Hawks raid
The Hawks swooped in on Prasa's headquarters in Braamfontein seizing laptops, mobile phones and a trove of documents. A Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) train seen in Pretoria on 13 July 2015. Picture: Gallo Images / Alet Pretorius The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) had initiated an independent forensic investigations into allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion tenders for train signalling equipment. The Hawks swooped in on Prasa's headquarters in Braamfontein on Wednesday afternoon, seizing laptops, mobile phones and a trove of documents of the rail agency's top executives and other employees. Forensic investigation Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mabombo said the operation was conducted as part of an 'ongoing investigation.' Prasa spokesperson Andiswa Makanda said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) presented a search warrant for its Braamfontein offices. 'Prasa initiated an independent forensic investigation after receiving a submission from a Whistleblower. Documents and information related to this matter were secured through this proactive forensic investigation'. ALSO READ: Former Prasa head of security fails to get job back in 7-year legal battle 'Nothing to hide' Makanda said the information was 'readily available for sharing with the law enforcement authorities.' 'The Agency has nothing to hide and stands ready to provide complete cooperation to law enforcement authorities. The Agency will continue to implement robust governance measures and maintain the highest standards of accountability while fully supporting all legitimate investigative processes'. Fraud Senior officials at Prasa allowed two tenders amounting to almost R18-billion, to be awarded to a company, seemingly without the basic bid criteria being met, according to GroundUp. A report compiled by a whistleblower alleges Prasa had also fraudulently made advance payments to the company – Maziya General Services – amounting to almost R2.7-billion through five transfers during December 2023 and December 2024. The allegations are related to two tenders awarded to Maziya General Services. Tenders These are for a 'global system for mobile communications-railway redundancy network' in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Western Cape (Bid 112), and a 'PRASA train control system' in KwaZulu-Natal (Bid 120). The tenders were published in November 2021 and October 2022 respectively. According to the report, the respective tender amounts awarded were R6.3-billion and R11.1-billion. Transparency The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency, Rikus Badenhorst, said the allegations against the Prasa executives are concerning. 'This highlights a need for transparency and accountability within Prasa. The committee will monitor the developments at Prasa as it is important for the investigation to come to expose the alleged corruption within the entity'. Badenhorst called on the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to report back to the committee once investigations into the matter were complete, as the outcome was crucial to resolving one of the key obstacles hindering Prasa's progress on signalling. NOW READ: ConCourt sets date for MK party's case against Ramaphosa over Mchunu
News24
5 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Hawks raid Prasa HQ, seize executives' laptops, phones in R18bn tender probe - The Hawks seized laptops and mobile phones from Prasa's top executives as part of an ongoing investigation. - The investigation is related to allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion train signalling equipment tenders. - The operation follows reports that Prasa awarded contracts to companies that allegedly did not meet mandatory requirements. Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder, accused now admits to crime - Amber Lee Hughes admitted to murdering 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, who was found raped and drowned in January 2023. - Hughes initially pleaded not guilty but changed her legal team and made the admission in court on Thursday. - She maintains that she did not rape the child. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Crisis averted: National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill - The National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill, averting a potential fiscal crisis where government funds would have run out by October 2025. - The DA initially threatened to block the bill but changed course after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the minister of higher education, securing the bill's passage. - Despite objections from some parties, the bill is expected to be approved by the National Council of Provinces, allowing the government to fund critical priorities. Jacoline Schoonees/DIRCO US lawmaker slams SA sanctions bill as threat to decades of diplomacy - US congressman Jonathan Jackson criticised the "MAGA-driven" US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which proposes sanctions on South African government officials and ANC members. - The bill, authored by Ronny Jackson, aims to punish South Africa for its foreign policies, including its stance on Israel and ties with countries like Russia and China. - Tensions between the US and South Africa are high due to tariffs, refugee status granted to Afrikaners and differing views on international conflicts. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Godongwana announces big reforms after budget nightmare - The National Treasury is implementing reforms to the budget process due to fiscal and political challenges, including wider consultation and a focus on spending efficiencies. - A new mechanism called Targeted and Responsible Savings will rank programmes by importance to identify potential savings through spending reviews and phased "de-implementation." - Departments must utilise previous spending reviews to find savings and efficiency gains, with departmental savings being used to reduce debt or fund temporary expenditures. Supplied/MultiChoice DStv shake-up: New MultiChoice CEO promises major changes to win back subscribers - MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis plans to overhaul DStv packages to better meet customer needs and win back subscribers lost to streaming services and piracy. - Key strategies include focusing on local content, sports offerings, making kids' content more accessible and simplifying subscription structures by potentially removing reconnection and access fees. - The company acknowledges past missteps and aims to reinvent itself by addressing the disconnect with younger audiences and combating piracy, while also exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport. Lloyd Burnard | First signs of Rassie drawing a line on 'golden' Boks? - This generation of Springboks, considered the greatest in South African rugby history, is aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat" at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. - Despite their dominance, the recent squad selection for the Rugby Championship indicates a shift, with some older stars like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am facing increased competition and the potential passing of the baton to younger players. - While the transition may be bittersweet, it's a natural part of the sport, creating opportunities for new legends to emerge and continue the Springboks' legacy.
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Hawks raid Prasa offices in Braamfontein over R18 billion tender scandal
The Prasa headquarters were raided on Wednesday. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) had its headquarters in Gauteng raided on Wednesday. The offices based in Braamfontein were raided by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks). This comes after claims of irregular tenders being awarded have risen. The tenders are alleged to be around R18 billion. The Hawks pounced on the officers of senior executives and seized items such as laptops, cell phones, and documentation. As the investigation unfolds, the Hawks have been tight-lipped on what is unfolding.
News24
5 days ago
- Business
- News24
Hawks raid Prasa HQ, seize executives' laptops, phones in R18bn tender probe
The Hawks have seized the laptops and mobile phones of Prasa's top executives. Sources said the police seized the devices of Prasa's chief executive officer, chief procurement officer, head of legal, and chief financial officer. The Hawks are investigating allegations of corruption in connection with two R18-billion train signalling equipment tenders. The Hawks seized devices belonging to senior executives of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa during an operation on Wednesday afternoon. A team from the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit of the Hawks conducted the operation at Prasa's headquarters in Braamfontein. Sources told News24 that the team seized laptops, mobile phones, and documents belonging to acting chief executive officer Hishaam Emeran, chief procurement officer Asif Rehman, head of legal Nompumelelo Gamedze-Phasha, and chief financial officer Brian Alexander. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said: 'An operation was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation. To protect the integrity of our investigation, we cannot disclose details pertaining to that operation.' A senior Prasa executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told News24 that the operation was in connection with two controversial R18-billion train signalling equipment contracts. In a series of exposés, News24 reported that in May and July 2023, Prasa awarded two R18-billion train signalling equipment tenders to Maziya General Services, owned by Gauteng businessman Chris Delport and his Chinese partners. It's alleged that Prasa's board and its executives awarded the contracts to the companies even though they did not meet crucial and mandatory requirements, such as being tax compliant and possessing bid bonds. Following News24's reports, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy appointed law firm Webber Wentzel to investigate the allegations. Webber Wentzel recently concluded its investigation and handed a report to Creecy. In an interview with News24 early in July, Creecy said she would comment on the report in due course. 'I am still studying it. I am not commenting. When we are ready to comment on that report, we will,' she said. At the time, she also told News24 that she did not have any reason not to have confidence Prasa's board.
