SIU praises trial of two Eskom officials
The SIU has praised the court appearances of two Eskom officials arrested on charges of fraud, money laundering and corruption.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) commends the court appearance of two Eskom officials, following their arrests by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Thandi Ruth Magagula, an Officer of Safety Risk Management, and Nontuthubo Surprise Mahweliri, a Maintenance Manager at the Hendrina Power Station in Mpumalanga Province, appeared separately in court. They faced charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
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TWO ESKOM OFFICIALS EXPOSED BY SIU
An investigation by the SIU revealed that an Eskom official Magagula held a private investment in Montoza Engineering, a company with contracts with Eskom. Despite Eskom’s conflict of interest policy, Magagula engaged in business dealings with the entity. Additionally, a disciplinary referral led to her suspension without pay for seven days.
Similarly, another Eskom official Mahweliri failed to disclose her affiliation with NKG Trading investments, a company contracting with Eskom. Investigations revealed payments totaling R1 082 884.51 to her company, leading to her suspension without pay following a disciplinary hearing.
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Both cases have been adjourned for further proceedings at the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate corruption and maladministration within Eskom, ensuring accountability for state officials.
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COURT ALIGNS WITH ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY
The court appearances align with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. They demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to combat corruption, particularly among public servants entrusted with service delivery.
“The court appearance is part of the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption strategy by law enforcement agencies to strengthen its fight against corruption.
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“Especially when such crimes are committed by state employees in positions of trust to deliver services for the benefit of the public and the economy, but instead, steal from the most vulnerable to enrich themselves and fund their opulent lifestyles,” said the SIU in a statement.
Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, the SIU will persist in collaborating with the National Prosecuting Authority. This collaboration aims to pursue criminal charges against individuals implicated in corruption cases uncovered during its investigations.