Prasa clamping down on theft

[John Ashworth]

Prasa clamping down on theft

South African state-owned enterprises have a reputation for draining the government’s purse and costing taxpayers billions. At rail agency Prasa, the rot seems deep within as theft and corruption are investigated by the Organised Crime Unit.

Prasa spokesperson Makhosini Mgitywa said the rail agency's administrator was given nine priorities. "One of them is consequence management, people have been suspended. Four people recently were dismissed related to the irregular security tenders," Mgitywa said.

Mgitywa said the process to reform the institution will take time and will not be easy. “It’s an organisation that was run by malfeasance. When it starts rotting from the top, that rot filters down to even lower levels,” he said.

Prasa has also had to deal with its own people allegedly colluding with external companies, allegedly taking assets worth millions. Recently, two people were arrested on charges of theft...