On 9 November 2022, the former Transnet Executive Manager, Kenneth Leonardo Diederick (53); Polyzomba owner, Charles Ernest Pretorius (73) and an entity employee, Refiloe Martin (50) were released on R10 000 bail each by the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption and money laundering.
The accused were arrested and charged by the Head Office based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 7 November 2022 after they handed themselves over with their legal representatives.
It is alleged that Pretorius had a five-year R63 million contract with Transnet Freight Rail from 2006 to 2011 to replace turnouts on the coal line in KwaZulu-Natal mainline.
When the contract was about to expire, Pretorius submitted a grievance stating that his company was still owed R25 million.
Diedericks allegedly approved and paid the supposedly outstanding amount without consulting the other executives at Transnet.
He allegedly received a R300 000 gratification from the entity through Martin’s bank account.
The matter was postponed to 7 March 2022 whereas the Hawks’ investigation on related matters is continuing.
