Cape Town — Former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba has voluntarily appeared before the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
However, despite earlier reports, the anti-corruption body says he has not been arrested or formally charged.
Gigaba revealed days earlier that he had been summoned to court in connection with alleged procurement irregularities at Transnet — an investigation focused on his tenure from 2010 to 2014, particularly the controversial R54 billion locomotive deal.
In a statement, he said: “I have been summoned to appear in court … I do not know what the charges are yet … I’ll let you know after receiving the charge sheet.”
I have been summoned to appear in court this morning. I do not know what the charges are yet, but I’ll let you know after receiving the charge sheet. Let me declare that I have full confidence in our courts – they are the forum where facts, not fiction, will finally prevail. My… pic.twitter.com/0hxLUEichz
— Dr Malusi Gigaba (@drmalusigigaba) November 7, 2025
Despite this, IDAC’s spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, clarified that Gigaba remains free and was not arrested.
“Mr Malusi Gigaba has not been placed under arrest … he is engaging [with] IDAC and there will be no court appearance today … IDAC will not be commenting any further on the matter,” he said.
Gigaba has maintained that he will cooperate fully with the authorities, expressing “full confidence in our courts … they are the forum where facts, not fiction, will finally prevail.” Speaking ahead of his scheduled court appearance, he insisted,
“My conscience is clear regarding my conduct in office … my actions have always been guided by policy, process, and the values of accountability and service”,reported Sowetan
[BREAKING] Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of corruption of a controversial locomotive deal during his tenure.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 18, 2025
Still, the matter is not yet settled.
The charges have not been made public, and IDAC has stated it will refrain from further comment for now.
Gigaba’s role in state capture-era deals has long been scrutinised. The Zondo Commission previously questioned his ties to the Gupta family, noting that during his time at Transnet, board decisions benefited Gupta-linked entities.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@Sihle
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
