The trial of Eric Wood and 12 co-accused over alleged State Capture at Transnet has not begun nearly four years after their 2022 arrests. Defence lawyers requested a postponement in February 2026, citing late disclosure of evidence, a claim disputed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The case involves charges of corruption and fraud linked to a controversial locomotives deal.
Eric Wood, former director of Regiments and Trillian, was arrested on 27 May 2022 along with co-accused Garry Pita, Siyabonga Gama, Phetolo Ramosebudi and Daniel Roy. They face charges in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg, including corruption, fraud, money laundering and violations of the Public Finance Management Act. The allegations centre on unlawful payments related to Transnet's procurement of 1,064 locomotives, which saw costs escalate by R16 billion.
Evidence in the case totals 55 terabytes. In February 2026, the latest delay came at the defence's request, as lawyers claimed evidence was only provided in December 2025. The NPA disputes this, stating it was for authenticating earlier documents supplied in 2022. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the NPA is 'trial ready' and accused the defence of using tactics to delay proceedings.
The locomotives deal enabled over R7 billion in kickbacks to Gupta-linked firms, according to prior investigations. The Zondo Commission detailed how Regiments and Trillian benefited without providing services. Transnet insiders and the commission noted inflated payments for advisory work. Court hearings on defence applications for further delays are set for June 2026.
Wood's estate was sequestrated in December 2023 by the Gauteng High Court over claims from the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund exceeding R300 million, linked to bond-churning transactions.
