Four accused in R4.9 million Eskom fraud case granted bail

Four people accused of defrauding Eskom of over R4 million in alleged dubious contracts have been released on bail.

R4.9m Eskom fraud

The accused Nozipho Ntuli, 35, George Edward Sekatane, 43, Alfred Lebohang Sekatane, 60, and Thulani Harris Mkhabela, 40, appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of fraud and corruption.

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This followed their arrests on the same day in Emalahleni during a joint operation by the Secunda-based Hawks‘ Serious Corruption and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation teams.

It is alleged that, between 2016 and 2019, the group benefited from several illegally awarded contracts at Eskom‘s Duvha Power Station in Mpumalanga.

According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, Ntuli was employed at the coal-fired power plant as a buyer and contracts were allegedly awarded under her watch without prescribed supply chain management processes being followed.

Investigations

Hawks investigations revealed that two companies – Phoenix and Itereleng Masheleng, which belong to Ntuli’s boyfriend, Sekatane – were allegedly awarded contracts along with Hustle Hard – a company belonging to Mkhabela.

“It is further alleged that when the contracts were awarded, George was in prison and Lebohang Sekatane was responsible for taking information and documents from Eskom to George in prison and vice versa.

“The loss suffered by Eskom is estimated at R4 911 980 00,” said Sekgotodi in a statement.

Court appearance

The accused appeared in court on Friday and were released on bail. Sekatane was granted R30 000 bail as he has other pending cases.

The other three accused were each granted R10 000 bail.

Their case was postponed to 5 July 2023 for further investigation.

The provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga Major General Gerber applauded the team for the arrest.

“These arrests must send out a stern warning to would be fraudsters, Eskom looting will not be tolerated. All efforts will be directed at bringing perpetrators to book.

“The Hawks in Mpumalanga is committed to bringing stability to the industry,” said Gerber.

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