SA Express claims former executives committed fraud

SA Express is preparing to press fraud and corruption charges against several former executives after an investigation turned up financial irregularities. The decision came after a forensic investigation flagged several transactions that may have cost the airline millions of rand prior to its temporary grounding in May 2018, SA Express said. The transactions included cases of alleged collusion by unidentified airline executives with service providers and manipulation of procurement processes, as well as irregular and overpayment of suppliers, the carrier said. The South African Civil Aviation Authority barred the airline from flying for 3 months for alleged internal problems the regulator said “posed serious safety risks.” The airline had to re-establish certificates of airworthiness for its fleet of Bombardier regional jets and turboprops. <br/>