eMalahleni companies and properties hit by R7.7m Hawks asset restraint order
Luxury vehicles and prime real estate are on the line as authorities clamp down on proceeds from tender deals.
Several eMalahleni-linked companies and local properties face asset seizure after a High Court restraint order was granted in connection with an R8.5m-fraud scheme at Eskom’s Duvha Power Station. The Mpumalanga High Court granted the R7.7m-order on September 30, targeting four immovable properties in eMalahleni and Middelburg alongside eight vehicles.
The legal action follows the conviction of former Eskom buyer Nozipho Ntuli (39), Edward George Sekatane (46), Thulani Harries Mahlalela (43), Alfred Lebogang Sekatane (62), and three entities linked to them.
On August 18, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Ntuli of fraud, while her co-accused and their corporate entities were convicted of money laundering-related offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Hawks uncover Eskom contract fraud
Investigations by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation unit established that between October 2016 and May 2019, Ntuli abused her position at Eskom by directing lucrative contracts to companies linked to personal associates without declaring conflicts of interest.
The companies were Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development and Itireleng Masheleng. The contracts amounted to R8 525 738, resulting in a reported loss to Eskom of the same amount.
Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Edward, received contracts valued at approximately R5 380 646. Evidence showed Edward continued running the company while serving a prison sentence for an armed robbery conviction. Hustle Hard Development, directed by Mahlalela, received contracts worth R2 231 380, while Itireleng Masheleng received R913 712.
High Court freezes properties and 8 vehicles
The restraint order covers four properties in eMalahleni and Middelburg valued at R6.82m combined, including a property in Aerorand, Middelburg valued at R5.25m, and properties in eMalahleni and Clewer.
Movable assets include a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai i20, Mazda Drifter, Citroën C3, Ford Bantam, Volkswagen Caddy and a motorbike trailer.
The total value of the restrained assets is R7 746 050. The restraint order is intended to prevent the disposal of assets pending further legal proceedings, with any eventual forfeiture subject to court determination.
The provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, said: “Investigations into alleged corruption and fraud do not end with identifying wrongdoing. Where the evidence supports further legal action, efforts will also be directed at preserving assets potentially linked to criminal activity.”
Read more: Former Eskom buyer, 3 associates convicted of R8.5m fraud in eMalahleni
Power outage delays Radebe murder case bail hearing at the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, October 12. Read more here: https://t.co/MPQznl1mJ5 https://t.co/bW8W0NlDSU
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) October 12, 2026
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