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ActionSA calls for the immediate criminal prosecution of former Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo following his blatant refusal to comply with a lawful parliamentary summons issued by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA). 

His decision to defy Parliament’s subpoena, despite repeated attempts at service and clear warnings in terms of section 14 of the Powers, Privileges & Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, represents not only a personal repudiation of accountability but an attack on Parliament’s constitutional authority.

Letsoalo’s snub comes as SCOPA probes deep-seated financial mismanagement at the RAF, where witnesses have testified to a toxic culture of bullying, systemic disregard for financial controls, and decisions taken under his leadership that undermined governance and contributed to the Fund’s staggering liabilities. His testimony is central to understanding the cancellation of the panel of attorneys, irregular executive appointments, questionable expenditure, and the RAF’s ongoing dispute with the Auditor-General. A refusal to appear under these circumstances is an extraordinary attempt to evade scrutiny.

ActionSA therefore calls on the Speaker of the National Assembly to immediately refer Letsoalo’s non-compliance for prosecution, as required under the Powers and Privileges Act, which makes his conduct a criminal offence punishable by fines or imprisonment. 

Parliament cannot allow a precedent where powerful individuals simply opt out of accountability. The integrity of SCOPA’s inquiry, and Parliament’s broader oversight mandate, depends on firm action that reinforces the rule of law.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Alan Beesley