Businessman jailed over Transnet fraud

A Gauteng businessman has been jailed for an effective five years in connection with R66 million Transnet fraud.

- Faizel Patel

Yakub Ahmed Suleman Bhikhu and his company, Homix, appeared in the Pretoria Regional Court on Friday, where the sentence was handed down.

Bhikhu and Homix were convicted on 81 counts, which include fraud, forgery, uttering, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Administration Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Investigative Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Hent Mamothame said Bhikhu pleaded guilty to all charges levelled against him and his company.

"He was sentenced to 10 years' direct imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years, effectively compelling him to serve five years in prison.