The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has voted to refer former Road Accident Fund (RAF) chief executive Collins Letsoalo for potential criminal prosecution after he failed to comply with a parliamentary summons issued in November 2025.
In an 8-to-3 decision, the committee resolved to instruct the Secretary to Parliament to formally lay a criminal charge against Letsoalo for refusing to appear during SCOPA’s inquiry into governance and financial management at the RAF. While the committee initially consulted the Speaker regarding procedural requirements, the Speaker clarified that prior approval is not mandated under the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. Instead, the Speaker directed that the Secretary to Parliament be tasked with executing the committee’s resolution.
SCOPA Chairperson Songezo Zibi confirmed the committee’s position, stating that Letsoalo’s non-appearance directly challenges Parliament’s constitutional authority. Zibi emphasized that the Powers and Privileges Act grants Parliament the same subpoena powers as a court, enabling it to summon any individual—regardless of public or private sector affiliation—to provide testimony.
“Parliament has the same powers as a court,” Zibi stated. “When people are summoned to appear before Parliament, they have no choice but to appear. If we do not take this step, anyone summoned who does not feel like attending could simply ignore Parliament, making a mockery of oversight.”
During the RAF inquiry, all other witnesses testified voluntarily under oath. Letsoalo, however, declined to attend, asserting that SCOPA lacked jurisdiction over the matters under review. Zibi described Letsoalo as a critical fact witness, noting that numerous testimonies referenced his conduct and decisions. His absence, while regrettable, has not halted the committee’s work; SCOPA is finalizing its report based on the evidence already submitted.
The next procedural steps involve SCOPA collaborating with Parliament’s legal unit to draft a formal complaint for submission to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Zibi indicated he would transmit the required letter to the Secretary to Parliament immediately, with the complaint expected to reach SAPS within days. Should the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) determine there is sufficient basis, the matter would proceed to prosecution.
Beyond the legal proceedings, Zibi addressed persistent governance challenges at the RAF. The entity currently operates without a permanent chief executive, with senior roles—including the chief financial officer and other executive management positions—filled on an acting basis. An interim board remains in place while the appointment of a permanent board is pending.
Zibi acknowledged recent positive developments, citing information from the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport that the RAF has processed its highest volume of settlements and payouts to accident victims in recent months—a marked improvement after previous delays. Additional improvements have been noted in areas such as internal controls. However, Zibi cautioned that significant structural weaknesses remain, particularly given the prevalence of acting appointments in an organization with a history of governance failures, financial mismanagement, and contentious legal approaches.
“The appointment of a permanent board is the most important,” Zibi stressed. “Second most important is to appoint a chief executive officer of the Road Accident Fund. Then you might start to see the movement that we are looking for. Otherwise we remain worried.”
SCOPA continues to compile its final report on the RAF inquiry, with findings expected to inform further parliamentary and regulatory action.