Eskom has welcomed the sentencing of a supplier who defrauded the power utility by selling a R60,000 oil storage container for over R2.5 million.
On Thursday, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Mpumalanga handed down a direct prison sentence to Jessie Phindile Kubheka, director and majority shareholder of one of the implicated companies.
Kubheka received 12 years for fraud, with five years suspended under strict conditions. She was also handed a four-year sentence for money laundering, wholly suspended for five years. In addition, the court ordered her to repay Eskom R2,595,000.
Fraud at Tutuka Power Station
The conviction stems from a 2020 case at Tutuka Power Station, where Eskom’s internal investigation uncovered a fraudulent scheme. A syndicate billed Eskom for three oil storage containers, but only one was delivered. Even then, it failed to meet specifications. Despite each container being valued at just R60,000, Eskom was charged millions through inflated invoices.
Eskom vows to root out corruption
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane hailed the ruling as a landmark victory in the fight against corruption.
“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering. And these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated,” Marokane said.
He emphasised that while the majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication, the utility would continue to pursue those who “betray the organisation and the country” in partnership with law enforcement.
Strengthened anti-fraud measures
To accelerate accountability, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security and investigative functions into a new Group Investigations and Security Division, which now reports directly to the CEO. The division works alongside the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee to clamp down on fraud and safeguard Eskom’s assets.
Eskom has also appealed to employees and the public to report fraud, theft, and illegal electricity sales anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line (0800 11 27 22) or WhatsApp (081 333 3323).
