Former Eskom buyer and three associates convicted in R8.5m fraud and money‑laundering scheme

A former Eskom buyer and three associates have been convicted over an R8.5‑million fraud and money‑laundering scheme that channelled contracts to companies linked to people close to the buyer. The convictions were returned in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after a multi‑year Hawks investigation.

Who was convicted and how much was lost

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, found that Nozipho Ntuli, a former Eskom buyer, abused her position between October 2016 and May 2019 by fraudulently awarding tenders to companies connected to people close to her.

The court found that three companies benefited from contracts:

• Phoenix Motion Enterprise received R5.3 million.
• Hustle Hard Development received R2.2 million.
• Itireleng Masheleng received R913 000.

The total prejudice to Eskom amounted to R8 525 738.

Convictions and charges

The court found Nozipho Ntuli guilty of fraud. Edward George Sekatane, Thulani Harries Mahlalela, Alfred Lebogang Sekatane and their companies were convicted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) for money laundering.

Investigation and prosecution

The investigation was led by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCI) in collaboration with the Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC), Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Sentencing and asset restraint

Sentencing has been postponed to 19 October 2026. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) is pursuing a restraint order against assets.

Official response

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi commented on the outcome, saying:

“This case shows that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be pursued relentlessly. The Hawks, together with our partners, will ensure that corruption and organised crime do not go unchecked.”

Nkosi added:

“Complex commercial crimes require persistence and coordination. This conviction demonstrates our commitment to protecting public resources and restoring confidence in institutions like Eskom.”

He said the Hawks will continue working with the NPA and law‑enforcement stakeholders to ensure that proceeds of crime are restrained and forfeited where appropriate, adding:

“There are no shortcuts when it comes to accountability. Those who unlawfully benefit from public resources will face justice.”

Provincial reaction

Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, welcomed the convictions and commended the investigation team for pursuing the matter to its conclusion.