The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an interim preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze two luxury properties belonging to former PRASA Group CEO Tshepo Lucky Montana. The order prevents Montana from selling, leasing, or encumbering the properties, which include a residence in Hurlingham, Johannesburg, bought for R13.5 million, and a home in Waterkloof, Pretoria, purchased for R2.25 million.
Investigation Into Assets And Tender Proceeds
The SIU states that its investigation identified a direct and uninterrupted money trail linking funds used to purchase the homes to proceeds from the R5.6 billion Integrated Security Access Management System (ISAMS) tender. This contract was originally awarded to Siyangena Technologies, with initial phases beginning in April 2011 to upgrade rail infrastructure for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This order is an important step in safeguarding assets while we pursue recovery of financial losses suffered by the state.
The Special Tribunal has directed that Montana and other respondents appear in court on 11 August 2026 to provide reasons why the interim order should not be made final. Furthermore, the SIU is required to launch formal civil recovery proceedings against the respondents within 30 days of the current order.
Broader Scope Of The Prasa Corruption Probe
This legal action falls under Proclamation R.153 of 2024, which authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of widespread maladministration and corruption within PRASA from January 2010 to February 2024. The long-standing controversy surrounding the ISAMS contract remains a critical concern for South African rail users who have faced years of service disruption and infrastructure neglect.
By targeting these high-value assets, the SIU intends to claw back public funds siphoned from the state-owned enterprise through irregular procurement processes. The outcome of the upcoming August hearing will determine the next phase of the asset recovery effort.