October 22, 2018.

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines:

Tax inquiry spotlight on Sars exec

Siyabonga Gama fired as Transnet CEO

And, Ahmed Timol murder accused to appear in court

 

The Nugent Commission will begin this week's hearings with further questioning of the South African Revenue Service's human resources head, Luther Lebelo, and the law firm he allegedly used to purge senior staff members.

Lebelo is due to make his second appearance and give evidence about the existence of the alleged Sars rogue unit. He also allegedly paid law firm Mashiane, Moodley & Monama Incorporated almost R1-million to compile papers to show that the unit had existed while former Sars acting commissioner Ivan Pillay was at the helm.

Last month, Lebelo made a failed bid to distance himself from allegations that he was suspended Sars commissioner Tom Moyane’s "hitman" and that he dealt harshly with those who were perceived to be Moyane’s rivals.

 

Siyabonga Gama has been fired as group CEO of Transnet, the State-owned freight and rail company confirmed.

Transnet board member Edward Kieswetter confirmed Gama's dismissal on Sunday evening.

On September 27, Gama was given 10 days to submit written representations as to why he should not be fired, but Gama approached the Labour Court in Johannesburg to interdict the intention to dismiss him.

The reasons supplied to Gama for his removal included alleged serious violations of his financial, procurement, and fiduciary duties.

 

Former security branch policeman Joao Rodrigues' legal representative is expected to argue before the South Gauteng High Court on why he should not be prosecuted for the 1971 murder of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol.

The Ahmed Timol Family Trust said Rodrigues' lawyers will argue that he should not be prosecuted on the basis of his age and the amount of time that has passed since Timol's murder.

It was previously reported that the case was set down for pre-trial proceedings, but Rodrigues' legal team, headed by advocate Jaap Cilliers, indicated that he intended to apply for a permanent stay of prosecution.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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