Power utility Eskom welcomes the sentencing handed down by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, in Mpumalanga, earlier this month relating to a case of fraud and corruption at the Tutuka power station.

In 2020, Eskom's investigations uncovered a syndicate that was paid to deliver three containers to the power station, but only one container was delivered. It also failed to meet the utility's specifications.

Eskom states that, although each container was valued at R60 000, the invoiced amount was grossly inflated. Through the use of overpriced invoices, the scheme defrauded Eskom of R2.6-million.     

The utility points out that the supplier Jessie Phindile Kubheka, a director and majority shareholder in one of the implicated companies, has been sentenced to 12 years for fraud, suspended for five years under strict conditions and four years for money laundering, suspended for five years.

She was also ordered to repay Eskom R2.6-million.

“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated.  The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country with our law enforcement partners and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” says Eskom CE Dan Marokane.

To strengthen governance and accelerate investigations, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security and investigative functions into the Group Investigations and Security (GIS) division, which reports directly to the CE.

Working closely with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee, GIS ensures swift action against fraud and corruption, protecting Eskom’s assets and maintaining public trust.