Hawks freeze R7.7m in Eskom Duvha fraud case after five convictions

The Hawks in Mpumalanga have secured a High Court restraint order over assets valued at approximately R7.7 million, following convictions in a multi-million-rand Eskom fraud and money laundering case.

The order, issued on 30 September 2026, covers four immovable properties and eight movable assets, including several motor vehicles. It forms part of ongoing efforts to preserve assets potentially linked to alleged corruption, fraud and money laundering involving procurement contracts at Eskom’s Duvha Power Station.

The development follows the conviction of former Eskom buyer Nozipho Ntuli (39), Edward George Sekatane (46), Thulani Harries Mahlalela (43), Alfred Lebogang Sekatane (62), and three companies implicated in the case.

On 18 August 2026, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court found Ntuli guilty of fraud. The other accused and their companies were convicted of money laundering-related offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

The case was investigated by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI), working with the Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC), Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The investigation established that, between October 2016 and May 2019, Ntuli allegedly abused her position as an Eskom buyer by awarding tenders to companies linked to individuals with whom she had personal relationships or associations, without properly addressing potential conflicts of interest.

The companies identified in the case were Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development and Itireleng Masheleng. The contracts awarded to these companies amounted to R8 525 738, resulting in a reported financial loss to Eskom of the same amount.

Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Sekatane, received contracts valued at approximately R5 380 646. Evidence further indicated that Sekatane continued running the company while serving a prison sentence for an armed robbery conviction.

Hustle Hard Development, directed by Mahlalela, received contracts valued at approximately R2 231 380, while Itireleng Masheleng received contracts worth approximately R913 712.

The restraint order covers four immovable properties in Emalahleni and Middelburg, with a combined reported value of R6.82 million, as well as movable assets comprising motor vehicles and a motorbike trailer.

The listed assets include a property in Aerorand, Middelburg, valued at R5.25 million, and properties in Emalahleni and Clewer. The movable assets include a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, a Toyota Fortuner, a Hyundai i20, a Mazda Drifter, a Citroën C3, a Ford Bantam and a Volkswagen Caddy. The total value of the assets is reported as R7 746 050.

The restraint order is a legal mechanism intended to prevent the disposal or dissipation of assets pending further proceedings. Any eventual forfeiture remains subject to the applicable legal process and court determination.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, said the outcome sends a clear message.

“The outcome sends a clear message that investigations into alleged corruption and fraud do not end with identifying wrongdoing,” Gerber said. “Where the evidence supports further legal action, efforts will also be directed at preserving assets potentially linked to criminal activity.”

The Hawks will continue working with the NPA and other law-enforcement partners to investigate financial crimes, trace suspected proceeds of unlawful activity and preserve assets where the legal requirements are met.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Hawks secure R7.7 million restraint order after convictions in R8.5 million Eskom fraud case (https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71708).