FRAUDSTER sentenced to 12 years in jail.
A supplier who conned Eskom out of R2,5 million has been sentenced to 12 years in jail, suspended for five years and also has to pay back every cent.
Eskom spokeswoman Daphne Mokwena welcomed the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court ruling on Friday, 29 August, calling it a landmark step in the fight against organised crime.
Jessie Phindile Kubheka, a director and majority shareholder in one of the companies implicated in the Tutuka Power Station corruption case, was sentenced to 12 years for fraud and four years for money laundering, both suspended for five years under strict conditions.
She's also been ordered to repay Eskom R2 595 000.00.
Mokwena said the case stems from a 2020 investigation that uncovered a dodgy syndicate paid to deliver three containers to Tutuka Power Station. She stated that only one container was delivered, and it didn't even meet Eskom's specs.
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"Although each container was worth R60 000, invoices were grossly inflated to swindle the power utility out of millions," she said.
Eskom Group chief executive Dan Marokane said the utility is taking a hard line against corruption.
"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," said Marokane.
To speed up investigations, Eskom said it has consolidated its forensic, security and investigative functions into the Group Investigations and Security (GIS) Division, which now reports directly to the group CEO.
"The division works closely with NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee to crack down on fraudsters," said Mokwena
Eskom has urged employees and the public to help protect the utility by blowing the whistle on any dodgy dealings.
Mokwena added: "Reports can be made anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 or WhatsApp 081 333 3323."
