Senior Eskom technician arrested for alleged fraud, corruption and money laundering

The Hawks have arrested a 51-year-old senior Eskom technician for fraud, corruption and money laundering. 

It is understood Nkhetheni Percy Ramaru was handcuffed by the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Corruption Investigation on Tuesday for alleged fraud to the tune of R14,000.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, Ramaru allegedly misrepresented himself and conducted business with Eskom.

Conflict of interest

“The matter was reported to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). During investigation, SIU discovered that the accused failed to declare conflict of interest to Eskom, whilst investigations revealed that he was a shareholder at a company called MXO Logistics cc.

“The company was conducting business with Eskom. This was discovered on the declaration forms and tender documents submitted by MXO Logistics cc to Eskom. As a result Eskom suffered an actual loss  of R14,940,” Sekgotodi said.

Sekgotodi said the matter was referred to the Hawks Middelburg based Serious Corruption Investigation for further investigation.

“Investigation was finalised and the case was referred for decision. A warrant of arrest for the Eskom technician was authorised and executed on Tuesday, 13 February, hence the court appearance. The accused was released on  R10 000.00 bail. The case is remanded to the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 19 February 2024.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: ‘Load shedding isn’t the end of the world’ – ANC MP during Sona debate

Prison escape

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services and other law enforcement agencies are conducting a widespread search to locate the whereabouts of a prisoner who escaped from a hospital in Tshwane while receiving treatment.

Clatta Gumbo escaped from the grounds of Mamelodi Regional Hospital on Monday.

Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said they are working around the clock to locate and apprehend Gumbo.

“Admitted as an offender on 28 August 2018, Gumbo is serving a life sentence for rape, kidnapping and assault at Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre in Tshwane. He was escorted to the hospital for a consultation with a Dietician when he attacked the guarding official, disarmed him and escaped from the hospital premises,” Nxumalo said.

ALSO READ: Prison break: Authorities searching for inmate after escape from Mamelodi hospital