Collins Letsoalo under scrutiny as Public Protector launches probe into alleged maladministration

Collins Letsoalo, the former CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), is at the centre of a growing storm as the Office of the Public Protector (PP) has announced an investigation into serious allegations of maladministration, improper conduct, and abuse of power against him. This latest development arrives just as Letsoalo's contract with the RAF came to an end last month, during a period in which he was suspended.

In a statement made on Monday, Letsoalo expressed his surprise at the claims, asserting that he was unaware of any ongoing investigation by the Public Protector's office.

However, he confirmed that he had received communication from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), signalling their intention to scrutinise his actions while in office.

“There is a witch-hunt against me because how come I have to hear from the media that I'm being investigated by the Public Protector?...they must go ahead and investigate me…but I'm sick and tired of these people not speaking under oath. They need to be fair to me so that I can also speak under oath,” Letsoalo said. 

Letsoalo added that he had received correspondence from parliament that informed him that he was to also be investigated by SCOPA.

The office of the PP and SCOPA had not responded to questions by Monday afternoon however a letter from the PP's office to acting RAF CEO Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni, states that Letsoalo is under investigation.

The RAF has been asked to provide extensive information, evidence, witnesses, and records to assist an inquiry. 

This investigation follows two anonymous complaints, filed in March 2022 and May 2025, which detail numerous alleged abuses.

Central to the allegations is the purported misuse of public funds for Letsoalo's personal security. 

Over three years, a total of R10 million was allegedly spent on his security, which included a R4-million armoured luxury vehicle.

 Additionally, it is claimed that the RAF board provided Letsoalo with three more luxury cars, each valued between R800,000 and R1 million, and a team of nine bodyguards.

It is further alleged that state-funded bodyguards were allocated for personal use by Letsoalo’s wife, children, and associates.

One claim suggests that three state-funded bodyguards were assigned to his wife, who was then chauffeured in a state vehicle. 

In the PP’s letter, concerns have also been raised about irregular procurement practices, including the creation of an unauthorised position for a preferred bodyguard who allegedly lacked the required qualifications and whose salary was paid with state funds.

The complaints extend to the alleged use of state funds for the bodyguards' hotel stays when accompanying Letsoalo on personal matters and for overtime during private activities. 

The armoured vehicle, registered under the head of RAF security, was allegedly used for work at his farm, leading to monthly repairs due to the challenging terrain.

The PP's investigation will also delve into alleged improper staff appointments and the mishandling of a protected whistle-blower disclosure. 

A whistle-blower, who reported maladministration, corruption, and abuse of power within the RAF, alleges victimisation and subsequent dismissal without a hearing. This action reportedly followed the disclosure being given to Letsoalo for self-investigation, rather than being forwarded to the Special Investigating Unit.

The PP's letter to the acting RAF CEO specifically requests a response to all allegations, supported by documentation. 

It also asks for the RAF’s recruitment policy and the names and contact details of officials employed as bodyguards. 

The letter further demands an explanation for the assignment of bodyguards to the former CEO's family, including submissions to the board and minutes of any board meetings where such requests were adopted and approved.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za