Collins Letsoalo defends RAF amid controversial lease claims

HE and his board have nothing to hide and are prepared to share bank accounts with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), CEO of the Road Accident Fund Collins Letsoalo said following reports that he is implicated in a controversial deal involving a R79 million lease for the fund’s Johannesburg office.

- ZELDA VENTER

Letsoalo called a media briefing yesterday to respond to what are said to be the SIU’s preliminary findings following a complaint by a whistle-blower regarding the procurement of the Johannesburg building.

The whistleblower first complained to the Office of the Public Protector, where Letsoalo was accused of overturning a bid committee decision to favour Mowana Properties — a losing bidder — which secured the five-year contract.

The “preliminary report” — which was apparently leaked — also allegedly addressed other suspicious RAF con-tracts.

Letsoalo, however, only dealt with the procurement of the building aspect during his news briefing. He denied that there were any preliminary findings made against him and said an SIU report is for the eyes of the President before there can be any findings.

Letsoalo said he and his board have always worked closely with the SIU and he has nothing to hide.