The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has resolved to request the Secretary to Parliament to lay criminal charges against Collins Letsoalo, former chief executive of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), for failing to comply with a parliamentary summons.
Letsoalo did not respond to a summons issued in November 2025 during SCOPA’s inquiry into the RAF. While the committee initially sought the Speaker’s concurrence to proceed with criminal action, the Speaker clarified that such approval is not required under the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. Instead, the Speaker advised that the Secretary to Parliament be instructed to act.
SCOPA reaffirmed its decision through an 8-to-3 vote, with Chairperson Songezo Zibi set to formally communicate the resolution for implementation. Zibi stated that Letsoalo’s refusal to appear before the committee undermines Parliament’s constitutional oversight role.
“Parliament has the same powers as a court,” Zibi explained. “When people are summoned to appear before Parliament, they have no choice but to appear. The Powers and Privileges Act empowers Parliament to call any person, whether from the public or private sector. If we do not take this step, anyone summoned who does not feel like attending could simply ignore Parliament, making a mockery of oversight.”
During the RAF inquiry, all other witnesses appeared voluntarily and testified under oath. Letsoalo, however, declined to attend, claiming the committee lacked jurisdiction over the matter under investigation. As a key fact witness—about whom numerous testimonies were provided by other witnesses—his absence prevented the committee from hearing his direct account.
Despite this, SCOPA is proceeding with its report based on available evidence. The committee will now work with Parliament’s legal team to prepare a formal complaint to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Zibi confirmed he will transmit a letter to the Secretary to Parliament imminently, with the complaint expected to reach SAPS within days. Should the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) elect to prosecute, the matter would proceed through the criminal justice system.
Beyond the legal action, Zibi addressed ongoing governance concerns at the RAF. The entity currently operates without a permanent chief executive, with all senior management positions—including the chief financial officer—filled on an acting basis. An interim board remains in place pending the appointment of a permanent board.
Zibi noted that while the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport recently reported record volumes of settlements and payouts to accident victims—a significant improvement after previous delays—substantial challenges remain. He emphasized that lasting reform requires the urgent appointment of a permanent board, followed by a substantive CEO, to restore institutional continuity and address past governance failures, financial mismanagement, and questionable legal strategies.
“Without these appointments,” Zibi cautioned, “we remain worried about the RAF’s trajectory.”
The committee continues processing its final report on the RAF inquiry.
