Eskom fraud case: Supplier sentenced and ordered to repay R2 595 000
A supplier convicted of defrauding Eskom’s Tutuka Power Station of R2 595 000 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, with the term suspended, and ordered to repay the stolen funds.
On August 22, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court handed down the sentence to Jessie Phindile Kubheka, a director and majority shareholder in one of the implicated companies. Kubheka was found guilty of fraud and money laundering linked to inflated invoices for containers supplied to the Mpumalanga power station in 2020.
She received 12 years for fraud and four years for money laundering, both suspended for five years under strict conditions. In addition, she must repay Eskom R2 595 000.
The case stemmed from an Eskom investigation that uncovered a syndicate contracted to deliver three containers to Tutuka Power Station. Only one container was delivered, and it failed to meet specifications. While each container was valued at R60,000, Eskom said the invoiced amount was “grossly inflated,” defrauding the utility of R2 595 000.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane welcomed the sentencing, saying it underlined Eskom’s stance on corruption. “Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated,” he said.
Marokane stressed that the majority of staff continued to uphold the utility’s values. “The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country with our law enforcement partners and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” he said.
Eskom has since tightened its internal controls by consolidating forensic, security, and investigative functions into a single structure. The Group Investigations and Security (GIS) Division now reports directly to the Group Chief Executive.
“Working closely with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee, GIS ensures swift action against fraud and corruption, protecting Eskom’s assets and maintaining public trust,” Eskom said.
The power utility also urged vigilance from the public and its workforce. “Eskom urges employees and the public to help protect the organisation by reporting any knowledge of fraud, theft, or illegal electricity sales,” it said. Reports can be made anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 or WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.