Charges misguided - Satawu

INLSA

General Secretary of the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (SATAWU) Zenzo Mahlangu. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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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 spokesman 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.

According to the Hawks, the accused allegedly stole R8.2 million from the trust and bought luxury vehicles and houses.

It has emerged that an additional R10 million is also missing.

“The three are the only accused in the case so far,” said spokesman 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