×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Former Prasa executive Daniel Mthimkhulu convicted for fraud

Mpho Koka Journalist
FILE IMAGE: Daniel Mthimkhulu (Prasa head engineer) during a media briefing on July 6, 2015 in Pretoria, South Africa.
FILE IMAGE: Daniel Mthimkhulu (Prasa head engineer) during a media briefing on July 6, 2015 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Image: Thapelo Maphakela

Former Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) executive Daniel Mthimkhulu has been convicted on three counts of fraud by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Palm Ridge.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane on Monday said Mthimkhulu, the former head of engineering services at Prasa, faced nine counts of fraud for allegedly misrepresenting his qualifications to the agency, claiming among others, to have acquired a master’s degree from the University of Witwatersrand as well as a doctorate in engineering management from the Technische Universitat Munchen (Munich Technical University) in Germany. 

“As a result of this misrepresentation, the rail agency suffered prejudice in that Mthimkhulu’s annual salary hiked from R1.6m as executive manager, heading the engineering services, to 2.8m.

"In June 2010, he lied to Prasa about a received job offer from a German engineering firm, for a position as an engineering services specialist at a salary of R2.8m per annum. Consequently, Prasa made Mthimkhulu a counter-offer in September 2010 at a salary of R2.8m,” said Mjonondwane.

The Supreme Court of Appeal found that Mthimkhlulu played a central role which led to the agency awarding Swifambo Rail Leasing a R3.5bn tender for trains unsuitable for the country's network in 2013.

Mjonondwane said state advocate James Bhengu from the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit argued that Prasa suffered prejudice as it was induced into employing and keeping Mthimkhulu in its employment, under a false and fraudulent profile.

"The court should reject his version that his curriculum vitae (CV) was manipulated by a third party, it is farfetched and strange. His actions exacerbated the financial situation at the rail agency that was already suffering from financial constraints,' Bhengu said in his argument.

The case was remanded to February 24 for transcripts of proceedings as a new regional magistrate will be taking over the sentencing proceedings.

Mjonondwane said the NPA commends investigating officer Col Mosito from the Hawks and Bhengu for dedicating their efforts to the purpose of securing a successful prosecution.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.