NPA ID cracks down on alleged Eskom defrauders

At least four people have appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering related to the defrauding of Eskom during the height of state capture at the power utility.

The four include two former employees of digital technologies company ABB, Mohammed Mooidheen and Vernon Pillay and their wives Raeesa Mooidheen and Aradhna Pillay.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, the four allegedly cashed in on “gratifications estimated at R8.6 million…by inflating prices” for ABB subcontractor, Impulse.

They were arrested in Durban and Mpumalanga and appeared in the court in what is considered a “seminal case” for the National Prosecuting Authority.

“The former ABB employees, Mohammed and Vernon, stand accused for their influence in the awarding of over R549.6 million of the Eskom-ABB contract, for the benefit of Impulse between the period 2015 to 2017. This is reportedly despite the fact that it was reported that Impulse did not actually qualify to do the work required.

“Eskom was really at the core of state capture and features prominently in the Zondo Commission Report, where executives at the most senior levels of the SOEs [State Owned Enterprises] seemed to have enabled or facilitated for the looting of state funds,” Seboka said.

NPA ID head Advocate, Andrea Johnson, reiterated that the directorate is “hot on the heels” of those involved in State Capture.

‘’This is a clear demonstration of collaborative work between the ID, Hawks and SAPS and more seminal cases will be enrolled as we continue to reprioritise cases emanating from the Zondo Commission reports.

“The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, National Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola and Hawks head, General Lebeya met today to reinforce a working relationship among law enforcement and NPA in a bid to ensure that those most responsible for alleged corruption and state capture are held to account and that the rule of law is upheld,” Johnson said.

The case is expected to resume on 14 October for further investigation of assets seized during a joint search and seizure operation with the Hawks and SARS on properties held by the four accused.