The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has made a firm statement with the recent 15-year prison sentence handed down to its former engineer, Daniel Mthimkhulu.
The rail agency believes this verdict will send a clear and powerful message to anyone considering defrauding or engaging in corrupt practices at Prasa or other state entities.
Sentencing Details
On Tuesday, September 3, the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge sentenced Mthimkhulu.
This decision marks a significant moment for Prasa and highlights the serious consequences of such misconduct.
Prasa’s Reaction
Andiswa Makanda, Prasa’s spokesperson, emphasized that Mthimkhulu’s conviction not only addresses past fraudulent activities at the agency but also serves as a warning to anyone thinking of engaging in illegal actions.
She noted that while justice may seem slow, the law ultimately catches up with those who break it.
The Case Background
In January 2022, Mthimkhulu was found guilty of nine counts of fraud, including falsifying his academic credentials.
He falsely claimed to have a diploma, a Master’s degree from Wits University, and a doctorate in engineering management from the Technische Universität München in Germany.
The Gauteng High Court also ordered him to repay Prasa R5.7 million, which he had obtained under false pretenses.
Mthimkhulu’s Previous Claims
Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana had once praised Mthimkhulu as an exceptionally skilled engineer, leading to a significant salary increase from R1.6 million to R2.8 million.
Despite this, Mthimkhulu has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging that his CV was tampered with by a third party and suggesting political motives behind the charges.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, attention will shift to the broader implications for Prasa and other state agencies.
The sentencing not only concludes this chapter but also sets a precedent for tackling corruption and fraud in the future.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!