The Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority achieved a significant milestone on March 20, 2024, by obtaining two forfeiture orders totaling R33 million from the Pretoria High Court. These orders mark a crucial step in the pursuit of justice against alleged corruption and maladministration linked to Eskom’s Kusile Power Station.
The properties subject to the final forfeiture orders include:
- Property at Erf 847, No 2 Silver Lakes Extension 1, Pretoria, Gauteng
- Various vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz Viano and a Chevrolet Utility
- Several farms and residential properties in Mpumalanga
- Various vehicles registered under different individuals
Among the individuals implicated in benefiting from these properties are:
- Former Eskom employees Mangope France Hlakudi and Ntjie Kenneth Segooa
- Individuals associated with Tamukelo Business Enterprises, including Siphiwe Musa Wandile Mkhwanazi, Lloyds Muzi Sambo, Mukelo Pertunia Sambo, and Zenzile Carol Sanderson
The investigation, spearheaded by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following a mandate from Proclamation R11 of 2018, revealed a staggering loss of nearly R400 million to Eskom due to an unlawful tender granted to Tamukelo. This vendor, which provided Water Trucking services to the Eskom Kusile project site, was found to have made illicit payments to various Eskom officials.
Duduzile Babalwa Moyo, who played a significant role in managing and approving payments to Tamukelo, received payments exceeding R24 million from the company. Moyo’s intricate scheme involved using entities and family members to handle and utilize funds received from Tamukelo.
The evidence gathered thus far indicates offenses under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as racketeering activities and money laundering as per the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Criminal investigations remain ongoing.
The forfeiture orders represent a crucial aspect of the AFU’s asset recovery strategy, aimed at reclaiming ill-gotten gains and returning them to the state coffers. The next phase involves the sale of the forfeited properties through public auction, with the proceeds earmarked for restitution to Eskom.
This development underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and ensure accountability within South Africa’s public institutions.