Cape Town – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has come out strongly in defence of its senior members, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, following their arrests linked to a controversial R93 million Transnet locomotive deal.
Both former Transnet executives handed themselves over to the Hawks on Monday and appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, along with others, on charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
Breaking news
Former Transnet CEOs Siyabonga Gama and Brian Molefe, along with two others, have handed themselves over to police in connection with fraud and corruption charges related to a R93 million locomotive deal at Transnet.
They are expected to appear in court this… pic.twitter.com/z1Jcxkk83D
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) June 30, 2025
According to The Citizen, the arrests form part of a broader investigation into a locomotive transaction advisory tender awarded in 2012.
The tender was initially granted to JP Morgan but later controversially awarded to Trillian Capital, a Gupta-linked firm. An invoice of R93.4 million was submitted and approved by Gama and former Transnet CFO Garry Pita, with the funds transferred to Trillian, the report said.
Within days, R74 million was redirected to Albatime, owned by Kuben Moodley, without a clear justification.
The MK Party, however, has criticised the timing and intent behind the arrests.
[HAPPENING NOW]
Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama are appearing in court, facing charges related to a R93 million locomotive tender. Stay tuned to SABC News for updates. pic.twitter.com/mD6q1SRPSs— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 30, 2025
Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the justice system of targeting black professionals and MK Party members who have challenged the political status quo, IOL reported.
He alleged a pattern of selective prosecution and questioned the impartiality of law enforcement bodies.
Ndhlela framed the arrests as part of a broader attempt to silence the MK Party and its leadership, including its president, who he says also faces ongoing legal harassment.
[WATCH] MK Party MP and former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe says the case against him is weak and he intends to plead not guilty. He wants to be released on warning. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/djCsIg1e42
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 30, 2025
The party called for an independent and non-partisan justice system and reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy and the will of the people.
“We will not be silent in the face of injustice,” the report quoted Ndhlela as saying. “Our struggle for an impartial justice system continues.”
The arrests follow recommendations by the Zondo Commission that Molefe, Gama, and others be investigated for their roles in the alleged looting at Transnet.