Ex-RAF boss 'breaking law'

Parliament’s standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) has escalated its standoff with former Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo, resolving to pursue criminal charges after he repeatedly refused to appear before its inquiry.

- Roy Cokayne

Chair Songezo Zibi said the committee is acting under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, which empowers parliament to summon individuals, compel evidence and demand documents. Refusal without valid reason is a criminal offence, punishable by fines or up to 12 months’ imprisonment.

Parliament legal advisor Fatima Ebrahim told the committee that laying charges against a person for noncompliance with a summons from parliament is unprecedented.