Open Secrets calls for more heads to roll following Mthimkhulu’s sentencing

Non-profit organisation, Open Secrets, is calling for – what it terms – the heads of the architects of corruption at Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to roll.

The organisation’s call follows the sentencing of former Prasa executive engineer, Daniel Mtimkhulu, who misrepresented his credentials at the parastatal where he worked as the head of engineering.

He had falsified his qualifications, claiming to hold a master’s degree from Wits University and a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the Technische Universitat Munchen in Germany,

Earlier today, magistrate Philip Venter sentenced Mtimkhulu to 15 years in prison for fraud and misrepresenting his qualifications in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court, sitting in Palm Ridge.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 49-year-old was convicted two years ago after submitting a fraudulent job offer letter in 2010 in which he claimed to have received from a German engineering firm for a position at its engineering department.

This resulted in Prasa suffering prejudice amounting to R2.8 million per annum following the rail agency’s counteroffer.

Lawyer at Open Secrets legal unit, Luthando Vilakazi, says far too many people who benefitted from the corruption at Prasa still need to be held accountable.

Vilakazi says the likes of newly sworn-in uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) parliamentarian, Lucky Montana, must still account.

Montana, served as Prasa’s Chief Executive Officer under corruption accused former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama.

The trio is among eight members of the MK Party who were sworn in as MPs last week, despite the State Capture cloud that still hovers over them.

South Africans are divided over Mthimkhulu’s sentencing, with ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, also weighing in.

Former PRASA Engineering Head, “Dr” Daniel Mthimkhulu was paraded as the most qualified engineer by former PRASA CEO, now newly appointed member of parliament, Lucky Montana, will today be sentenced at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court after he was found guilty of nine (9)…

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 3, 2024

Daniel Mthimkhulu got 15yrs jail sentence guess the charges are part of the fabrication pic.twitter.com/bKcxxOXrne

— Lebogang (@LebzaG9) September 3, 2024

 

Prasa’s fake Doctor Daniel Mthimkhulu has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison for misrepresentation and jeopardizing Prasa. His praise singer meanwhile Lucky Montana is a recently installed MK member of parliament.

— John Baloyi (@Dijosti) September 3, 2024