Michael Harry Lomas, Former Eskom Contractor, to Remain in Custody in R1.4 Billion Fraud Case

Johannesburg – Michael Harry Lomas, a former contractor for Eskom, who was extradited from the United Kingdom to confront corruption charges totaling R1.4 billion, will continue to be held in custody as his bail hearing has been postponed.

The 77-year-old defendant appeared in the high court in Johannesburg on Friday, (17 January 2025), where representatives from the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDAC) opposed his bail request.

The court adjourned Lomas’ bail application until 24 January 2025.

Lomas faces numerous charges including corruption, fraud, and money laundering related to the enhancement of the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga.

After being successfully extradited from the United Kingdom in September 2024, Lomas had his first appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court and then to the high court, where it has been consolidated with that of 11 other co-defendants.

During all court appearances, Lomas has reserved his right to seek bail.

In December 2024, Lomas filed a notice with the high court expressing his intention to file for bail.

Lomas, along with 11 others, faces 41 charges of corruption connected to R1.4 billion related to the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The alleged offenses occurred between 2014 and 2017.

Meanwhile, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame announced that the main corruption case is scheduled for pretrial on 5 March 2025.