Brian Molefe
Brian Molefe is a former CEO of Transnet and Eskom, identified by the Zondo Commission as the “primary architect” of the state capture phase at Transnet. He was arrested in June 2025 and faces 32 charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering, PFMA contraventions, and delinquent director conduct. He currently sits as an uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party MP alongside co-accused Siyabonga Gama.
Transnet (2011–2015): Molefe oversaw the controversial R54 billion locomotive deal — procurement of 1,064 locomotives from CRRC (China South Rail and China North Rail) on terms the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found to be unlawful. The Zondo Commission found Molefe was the “primary architect” of Transnet’s state capture phase, enabling the Gupta Family to extract billions through inflated contracts and facilitation fees. Co-accused Siyabonga Gama (former Transnet Freight Rail CEO) was also found complicit.
Eskom (2015–2016): Appointed Group CEO of Eskom September 2015. During his tenure, Molefe awarded Tegeta Exploration & Resources (Gupta-linked) coal supply contracts worth billions and arranged an extraordinary advanced payment of R586 million that enabled the Guptas to acquire Optimum Coal Mine (April 2015). He resigned December 2016 after cellphone records revealed hundreds of calls to Saxonwold — the Gupta family compound — during the period he claimed not to know the Guptas.
Trillian/Albamate: R93 million payment to Trillian Capital Partners (associated with Salim Essa and the Gupta network); within days, R74 million of this was transferred to Albamate Investments (vehicle of Kuben Moodley). Separate R11.3 million in cash deposits to a linked company was reported in March 2026.
Arrest and prosecution: Arrested June 27–30, 2025; appeared at Palm Ridge Magistrates Court (Specialised Commercial Crimes Court) June 30, 2025. 32 charges including corruption, fraud, money laundering, PFMA contraventions, delinquent director. Co-accused: Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, Garry Pita. In November 2025, Malusi Gigaba was added as the 5th accused by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Bail set at R50,000; passports surrendered. Case postponed October 2025; a separate R93 million case was scheduled for February 2026.
MK Party: Molefe is currently an MK Party MP in the National Assembly, sitting alongside co-accused Siyabonga Gama. His continued parliamentary presence while facing 32 criminal charges has drawn significant criticism.
Connections
- Transnet — Group CEO 2011–2015; “primary architect” of state capture phase per Zondo Commission
- Eskom — Group CEO 2015–2016; facilitated Gupta coal contracts and Optimum Coal acquisition
- Gupta Family — core state capture relationship; hundreds of Saxonwold calls; Tegeta/Optimum Coal beneficiary
- Zondo Commission — found “primary architect” of Transnet state capture; recommended prosecution
- Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) — primary prosecutor; 32-charge indictment; added Gigaba as 5th accused November 2025
- Malusi Gigaba — co-accused as 5th accused from November 2025
- uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party — current party; sits as MP despite pending 32 charges
- Special Investigating Unit (SIU) — found locomotive deal procurement unlawful; referred to Special Tribunal
- Trillian Capital Partners — R93m payment channel; R74m passed to Albamate within days