Former Eskom buyer and associates convicted in R8.5 million fraud and money laundering scheme
A former Eskom buyer, Nozipho Ntuli, and three associates, Edward George Sekatane, Thulani Harries Mahlalela, and Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, along with their companies, have been convicted in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The conviction, delivered on August 18, 2026, stems from an R8.5 million fraud and money laundering scheme. Between October 2016 and May 2019, Ntuli, then an Eskom buyer, fraudulently awarded tenders to companies linked to her inner circle. Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Ntuli’s partner Edward George Sekatane, received R5.3 million. Hustle Hard Development, led by Thulani Harries Mahlalela, secured R2.2 million. Itireleng Masheleng, linked to Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, received R913,000. The total prejudice to Eskom was R8,525,738. Ntuli was found guilty of fraud, while Sekatane, Mahlalela, Alfred Sekatane, and their companies were convicted of money laundering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2026, with the Asset Forfeiture Unit pursuing a restraint order. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi stated that the convictions send a clear message about accountability in public institutions and the relentless pursuit of individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain. Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, welcomed the convictions.