By Levy Masiteng
Former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba has been refused public money to cover his legal costs in the corruption case linked to Transnet’s controversial locomotive procurement programme.
Gigaba’s legal team said in court on Thursday that the funding application was declined through official channels this week, and that they were still considering their next steps, including whether to take the decision on review.
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Gigaba contends the state should fund his defence because the allegations relate to conduct during his time as a public official.
He is facing corruption charges alongside former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama and Thamsanqa Jiyane.
The state has alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts for hundreds of locomotives, which cost the country billions of rand. Gigaba has denied the allegations.
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The matter is before the Gauteng division of the high court in Johannesburg, where it has moved beyond preliminary appearances and is currently dealing with pre-trial and case-management issues.
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