Former chairperson of SAA Technical (SAAT) and one-time board member Yakhe Kwinana has found herself embroiled in a serious legal battle after appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Kwinana faces a slew of charges, including extortion, theft, intimidation, and malicious damage to property, citing her alleged involvement in a wave of taxi violence and extortion cases in East London.
During the proceedings, Kwinana expressed her intention to represent herself with the assistance of a private attorney based in East London, indicating that she would not require legal aid. The court heard from prosecutor Yusuf Baba that the case is set to be transferred to East London, where the incidents in question allegedly occurred.
According to police statements, Kwinana is accused of orchestrating a range of criminal activities that reportedly involved her being accompanied by armed men during extortion efforts. Victims purportedly faced threats and intimidation, with their properties reportedly destroyed at Kwinana’s direction, a distressing pattern of behaviour that has sent ripples through the community.
The serious nature of the charges against Kwinana raises significant questions about the broader implications for governance and business ethics in South Africa, especially considering her high-profile previous roles within state-owned enterprises like SAA.
This is a developing story.