Theft charges misguided - Satawu
2013-02-28 11:37
Johannesburg - Criminal charges against several former
Satawu office bearers are misguided and politically motivated, the union said
on Thursday.
"The union is being attacked even at workplaces by
people who are trying to erode our membership," said spokesperson Vincent
Masoga.
"We will, however, respect the processes of the
court."
Former office bearers Zenzo Mahlangu, former president Ezrom
Mabyana and former deputy president Robert Mashego are expected to appear in
the Johannesburg Special Crime Court in April.
They face fraud and theft charges related to millions of
rand missing from the SA Railways and Harbour Workers Union Trust.
They are all out on bail.
Millions missing
According to the Hawks, the accused allegedly stole R8.2m
from the trust and bought luxury vehicles and houses.
It has emerged that an additional R10m is also missing.
"The three are the only accused in the case so
far," said spokesperson Captain Paul Ramaloko.
Masoga blamed the union's former president Ephraim
Mphahlele, who has since joined a splinter union.
The three spent the money according to agreements and
guidelines of the trust.
"Mphahlele, as president, oversaw the union's
operations, including the trust. He is making this look like a crime."
Mphahlele called for an investigation into the union's
finances after he left.
Masoga said the union's former leadership had received a
report from the trustees about the programs of the trust, which they found to
be in order.
"They have not stolen any money. Transactions were done
according to the provisions of the trust."
- SAPA
