Letsoalo gives parliament 'the middle finger' by snubbing RAF inquiry

FORMER CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Collins Letsoalo yesterday was a no-show at the parliamentary inquiry probing maladministration, financial impropriety and misuse of public funds at the entity.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) set aside yesterday for Letsoalo’s appearance after serving him with a subpoena at his last known address.

At the scheduled start of the meeting, the former RAF boss had not arrived, prompting the committee to hold a meeting to decide on the next step of action.

Scopa decided last month to issue a summons to Letsoalo after he failed to respond toa final letter of demand aimed at securing his voluntary appearance.

Last week Friday, it decided to reissue a subpoena after persistent attempts to serve a summons through traditional methods, fell short. An electronic summons was to be served via text message, email and the parliamentary digital platforms, and the sheriff was authorised to drop off a copy of the summons at the door of Letsoalo’s residence.

Briefing the committee, Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi said parliamentary legal advisor Fatima Ebrahim sent Letsoalo a text message last week Friday and he responded, saying he has appointed attorneys, who should be contacted.