The Hawks have secured a High Court restraint order covering assets worth approximately R7.7 million. This follows the conviction of five individuals and three companies.
The five individuals were found guilty in an R8.5 million fraud and money laundering case. The case involved Eskom’s Duvha Power Station in Mpumalanga.
Issued on 30 September, the order covers four immovable properties and eight movable assets, including several motor vehicles.
It is intended to prevent the disposal of assets potentially linked to the offences while further legal proceedings continue.
According to the Hawks, the convictions followed an investigation into procurement contracts. These were awarded between October 2016 and May 2019 by former Eskom buyer Nozipho Ntuli, 39.
Ntuli was convicted by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for fraud on 18 August 2026.
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Edward George Sekatane, 46, Thulani Harries Mahlalela, 43, Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, 62, and three companies were convicted of money laundering-related offences. The charges fall under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The investigation found that contracts worth R8 525 738 were awarded to Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development, and Itireleng Masheleng. As a result, Eskom suffered a reported loss of the same amount.
Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Edward, received contracts worth approximately R5.38 million.
Hustle Hard Development, directed by Mahlalela, received contracts worth approximately R2.23 million. Additionally, Itireleng Masheleng received contracts worth approximately R913 712.
Hawks said the investigation established that Ntuli had awarded tenders to companies linked to individuals with whom she had personal relationships or associations. Moreover, potential conflicts of interest were never addressed in this regard.
The restrained assets include four properties in Emalahleni and Middelburg, collectively valued at approximately R6.82 million.
Movable assets listed in the order include a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai i20, Mazda Drifter, Citroën C3, Ford Bantam, Volkswagen Caddy, and a motorbike trailer.
Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the restraint order forms part of efforts to preserve assets potentially linked to criminal activity. This follows the convictions.
“The outcome sends a clear message that investigations into alleged corruption and fraud do not end with identifying wrongdoing,” Nkosi said. “Where the evidence supports further legal action, efforts will also be directed at preserving assets potentially linked to criminal activity.”
Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation unit conducted the investigation in collaboration with the Priority Crime Management Centre. Additionally, Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were involved.
The restraint order does not in itself constitute a final forfeiture of the assets.
Any forfeiture remains subject to the applicable legal process and a court determination.
