Uncategorized

SIU welcomes extradition of fraud-accused ex-Eskom contractor

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the extradition of fraud-accused former Eskom contractor Michael Lomas

Lomas was arrested in relation to Eskom’s R745 million Kusile power plant allegations of fraud, unauthorised rewards, corruption and money laundering. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Lomas is facing 65 counts of corruption linked to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile power station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017. 

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Lomas was arrested and granted bail in April 2021 before fleeing to the United Kingdom.  He was arrested again in August 2024, when his extradition was approved.

Michael Lomas is accused alongside former Eskom Group Executive for Group Capital Division, Abram Masango; former Eskom Senior Manager for Group Capital Division, France Hlakudi; the owner of Tubular Construction Project Antonio José Trindade, and the owner of Babinatlou Business Services Hudson Kgomoeswana. 

Following the successful extradition, the SIU applauded the diligent work of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate, Hawks and international partners, whose collaboration has led to this critical milestone.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the unit will continue to support the prosecutorial process and ensure that all individuals implicated in corruption are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“This extradition is part of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies coming together to eradicate corruption in South Africa and ensure the continued cleaning up of State-owned Entities, like Eskom, from corruption,” he said.

FORMER CONTRACTOR TO APPEAR IN COURT

Meanwhile, the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court postponed the corruption case against Michael Lomas to Friday, 27 September at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for formal bail application.

 NPA ID spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Michael Lomas will be charged and processed in the lower court before his matter is combined with the one appearing before the Johannesburg High Court where the matter is prosecuted by Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

GIVEN HIS APPARENT HEALTH CONDITION, DO YOU THINK MICHAEL LOMAS WILL FACE THE FULL MIGHT OF THE LAW?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *