Daniel Mthimkhulu, the former head of engineering at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), is set to be sentenced on Tuesday for fraud and misrepresenting his qualifications. Mthimkhulu, who was employed by PRASA between 2010 and 2015 with an annual salary of R2.8 million, was recently found guilty of nine counts of fraud at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court.
Mthimkhulu’s impressive academic credentials, which included a diploma, a degree, and a doctorate in engineering, were all later exposed as fake. The fraud came to light in 2015 when a newspaper report by Rapport detailed how PRASA had purchased locomotives that were too tall to operate on South Africa’s railway lines, sparking questions about Mthimkhulu’s credentials and leading to his downfall.
A Web of Deception Unraveled
The scandal marked the beginning of the end for Mthimkhulu’s career at the parastatal. Despite receiving support from then-PRASA CEO Lucky Montana, Mthimkhulu failed to provide proof of his academic qualifications, ultimately exposing his fraudulent activities.
In 2019, the Gauteng High Court ordered Mthimkhulu to repay PRASA R5.7 million in salaries and benefits he had received under false pretenses. The court’s decision followed a lengthy investigation into his falsified qualifications, which had allowed him to secure his high-paying position at the rail agency.
Sentencing and Claims of Innocence
As Mthimkhulu faces sentencing, he continues to maintain his innocence, claiming that he is a victim of a political agenda. Over the years, he has repeatedly denied the fraud allegations against him, despite overwhelming evidence of his deception.
The sentencing at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court marks the culmination of a high-profile case that has highlighted severe flaws within PRASA’s hiring processes and governance. Mthimkhulu’s case is seen as emblematic of broader issues within the parastatal, including accountability and oversight failures that have plagued the agency.
Impact on PRASA’s Reputation
The revelations about Mthimkhulu’s fraudulent qualifications have significantly damaged PRASA’s reputation, raising concerns about the vetting procedures for senior officials and the integrity of decision-making within the organization. The case also underscored the costly consequences of inadequate oversight, with the multimillion-rand locomotive blunder serving as a stark reminder of the need for stricter controls.
As Mthimkhulu’s sentencing looms, the public and stakeholders await the court’s decision, which could serve as a warning against fraudulent activities within public institutions. The outcome will also likely have implications for PRASA as it seeks to rebuild trust and restore its credibility in the wake of this scandal.