A woman accused of defrauding the South African power utility, Eskom, of R14 million is expected to apply for bail today. The woman, whose name has not been released, was arrested and charged for her alleged involvement in a scheme to submit fraudulent invoices for services that were never rendered to Eskom.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, the woman was apprehended in connection with an ongoing investigation into the misappropriation of funds at Eskom. Naidoo stated that the woman appeared before the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where her case was postponed until today to allow for a possible bail application.
The woman is expected to join four other suspects who are also facing charges of fraud and theft in connection with the Eskom investigation. All the suspects remain in custody, while the investigation continuescontinuecontinuescontinuem
This latest development comes just weeks after the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crime Court handed down a wholly suspended eight-year prison sentence to businessman Micheal Chimanzi in an unrelated Eskom fraud case. Chimanzi and his company, Chimanzi Investments, were charged with fraud, theft, and money laundering for allegedly siphoning R2.6 million from Eskom.
During Chimanzi’s trial, it was alleged that he colluded with two former Eskom employees, Nwabisa Ngxola and Cinderella Moropane, to submit fraudulent invoices to Eskom for services that were never rendered. The court granted a separation of trial from Ngxola and Moropane, who were released on bail pending their trial.
Brigadier Naidoo stated that the accused, acting in concert, defrauded Eskom of R14 736 882. The investigation into the alleged fraud and theft at Eskom is ongoing, and the authorities have vowed to bring all those responsible to justice.
The misappropriation of funds at Eskom has been a longstanding concern for the South African government, with the power utility struggling to meet the country’s electricity demands. The government has pledged to root out corruption and restore accountability at the beleaguered state-owned enterprise.
The outcome of the bail application is eagerly awaited as it could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing investigation into Eskom’s financial woes.