More trouble is tracking the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa – the executive manager of engineering services in charge of the R3.5 billion locomotive deal has been suspended with immediate effect‚ the agency announced on Friday.

This follows Wednesday’s dismissal of Prasa’s chief executive‚ Lucky Montana. Despite promising to “set out the reasons behind his sacking by the board” on Friday afternoon‚ Montana did not do so. He merely said he was not guilty and that he was remaining silent until at least after the weekend because the Prasa leadership had requested him to do so.

Senior engineer Daniel Mtimkulu’s academic qualifications were subject of an internal inquiry instituted by Prasa Rail’s Mosenngwa Mofi.

Mtimkulu claimed to have a BTech in engineering‚ a master’s and doctoral degree. He also did not register with the Engineering Council of South Africa‚ according to reports

“The suspension comes as a result of the confirmation by the enquiry that he lacked the necessary qualifications‚” according to the Prasa statement.

Prasa is reported to have imported locomotives that are too high and may damage overhead cables. But the agency has said that Mtimkulu’s suspension had nothing to do with the locomotive deal.

Mtimkulu’s disciplinary hearing will be concluded in the next five working days.