Transnet to investigate ‘ghost trains’

• Employees and third parties implicated, says group

State-owned logistics group Transnet has begun an investigation into “ghost trains”, which it says are draining the company of revenue. The independent graft probe into these allegations implicates Transnet employees and third parties, Transnet said on Monday, without naming those involved. The ghost trains refer to locomotives that run along Transnet’s rail network infrastructure but whose revenue will not flow back to the entity.

State-owned logistics group Transnet has began an investigation into “ghost trains”, which it says are draining the company of revenue.

The independent graft probe into these allegations implicate Transnet employees and third parties, Transnet said on Monday, without naming those involved.

The ghost trains refer to locomotives that run along Transnet’s rail network infrastructure — which covers important major domestic and regional corridors and is used to transport commodities for export — but whose revenue will not flow back to the entity.

“A train that will run but doesn’t appear on the Transnet system [and is] not invoiced by Transnet. The money will go to the parties but not Transnet,” said one union leader canvassed by Business Day.

The probe began earlier in March after an anonymous tipoff was sent by email to Transnet executives, giving details of the ghost train operations, Business Day understands.

Given the need to verify the claims, the investigators will interview the implicated parties, Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said.

“In the course of the investigation, the whistleblowers, implicated persons and relevant customers mentioned will all be approached for statements.

“To the extent that the allegations are proven correct, Transnet will act swiftly,” Transnet said in a statement on Monday.

“Considering that these serious allegations have not yet been accompanied by supporting evidence, Transnet has referred the allegations for independent investigation.”