Suspended chief engineer of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Daniel Mtimkulu, has resigned, according to a report.<\/p>\n
ENCA reported that, Mtimkulu, Head of Engineering Services Prasa, stepped down from the company amid allegations that he falsified his qualifications.<\/p>\n
Mtimkulu reportedly claimed to have obtained an engineering degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) before studying in Germany to get his doctorate.<\/p>\n
Wits however, said it did not have any records of Mtimkulu attending the university.<\/p>\n
Mtimkulu headed the engineering team that designed new Afro 4000 locomotives delivered to South Africa in January, at a cost of R600 million.<\/p>\n
The locomotives have since come under question amid claims that are too tall for the local rail lines on long distance routes for which they are intended.<\/p>\n
Prasa said it would investigate Mtimkulu on July 17.<\/p>\n
In a statement published by ENCA<\/a> on Monday (27 July), Prasa said it had opened up a case of fraud against Mtimkulu.<\/p>\n \u201cAs part of Prasa\u2019s governance protocols, a criminal case of fraud was opened against Mthimkhulu citing the misrepresentation of his qualifications. The case was opened on Saturday, 24 July 2015.”<\/p>\n Prasa suspends head engineer amid qualifications inquiry<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Top train engineer doesn\u2019t need to be registered: Prasa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Rapport defends Prasa story<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Prasa CEO: top engineer targeted because he is black<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on Prasa<\/h3>\n