Hawks seized laptops, mobile phones, and documents belonging to Prasa’s top executives, including acting chief executive officer Hishaam Emeran (pictured).
Gallo Images/OJ Kolot
- 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 chief executive officer Hishaam Emeran, acting 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.”
READ | DERAILED: Prasa’s R7.5bn train fix blunder – lawyers warn against cancelling contracts
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.
READ | DERAILED: Creecy stands by Prasa board despite R2.5 billion wasted on unused trains
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.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was edited for accuracy. (24/07/25)
.
