In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has apprehended six individuals implicated in a colossal R400 million tender fraud scheme linked to Eskom and Sasol.
The fraudulent activities reportedly date back to 2017 and involve a series of deceitful practices that have raised alarm bells within South Africa’s energy and industrial sectors.
The arrested suspects – Mark Smith (61), Alex Roditis (45), Vanessa Chungu (43), Raymond Crozier (62), Guy Le Roux (56), and Ronald Hoy – stand accused of forging financial records, fabricating fictitious shareholder agreements, and engaging in fronting, all of which are direct violations of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act.
The Hawks disclosed that the accused allegedly manipulated financial data to secure a B-BBEE tender at Eskom through their companies, including NJM Treatment and NDE Services, Dasmar Engineering, and Thermo Jet. This fraudulent manipulation not only jeopardised the integrity of these tenders but also poses a potential financial loss exceeding R400 million to both Eskom and Sasol.
In a hearing held at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, the six suspects were granted bail set at R20,000 each, while the case has been postponed until November 29 to allow for the disclosure of docket contents.
During the proceedings, the suspects reportedly admitted to providing false information to Eskom and Sasol, culminating in the termination of services provided by NJM.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale outlined the intricate nature of the fraud, revealing that the directors of NJM Heat Treatment and NDE Services misrepresented their qualifications to Eskom by submitting falsified tenders for goods procurement.
“In October 2017, the directors knowingly submitted falsified financial records to secure a tender, leading to fraudulent activities,” Mogale stated.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities aim to uncover the complete extent of the fraudulent operations and assess the roles played by each of the arrested individuals. Additionally, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, head of the Hawks, echoed the seriousness of the situation, urging businesses to eschew corrupt practices and uphold transparency.
“Corruption has severe legal consequences, be it in the private or public sector, and undermines trust and credibility,” Lebeya cautioned. “Upholding ethical standards is crucial for a fair and just society.”
Saturday Star
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