A R8.5m fraud and money-laundering case in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has resulted in convictions for a former Eskom buyer and three co-accused.

Nozipho Ntuli (39), a former Eskom buyer, was found guilty of fraud after the Hawks investigated contracts awarded between October 2016 and May 2019.

According to the Hawks, Ntuli abused her position at Eskom by awarding tenders to companies linked to people close to her.

Three companies were allegedly paid millions of rand through the contracts.

Phoenix Motion Enterprise received R5.38m, Hustle Hard Development received R2.23m, while Itireleng Masheleng received R913 712.

“The total loss suffered by Eskom was calculated at R8 525 738.” officials confirmed.

3 co-accused convicted of money laundering

Edward George Sekatane (46), Thulani Harries Mahlalela (43) and Alfred Lebogang Sekatane (62), together with the three companies, were convicted of money-laundering offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

According to Hawks officials, Sekatane was in a relationship with Ntuli and directed Phoenix Motion Enterprise.

Evidence also showed that he continued running the company while he was incarcerated.

Mahlalela was a director of Hustle Hard Development, while Alfred Sekatane was identified as Edward Sekatane’s uncle.

The convictions were handed down on Tuesday, August 18, following an investigation by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, together with other specialised Hawks units and the National Prosecuting Authority.

Court postpones sentencing

The matter has been postponed to October 19 for sentencing.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit will also pursue a restraint order as it seeks to identify and secure assets linked to the alleged proceeds of crime.

Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the convictions.

He said that the case showed the Hawks’ commitment to investigating complex commercial crimes and holding people accountable when positions of trust are abused for personal gain.

“This investigation also sends a strong warning to people who unlawfully benefit from public resources, will be pursued.”