Case against duo who defrauded Eskom of R 1million postponed
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A case a duo who defrauded power utility Eskom of a little over R 1million has been postponed February 2024 pending further investigations.
The three accused, Dibuseng Business Enterprise, 31 years old Mtau Dony Mmathinyane, sole director and 55 years old Maphoto Manape Sylvane Mokgadi, made brief appearance before the Middelburg Regional Court earlier this month, December following their arrest by the Hawks Middelburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud and theft.
It is alleged that during 2017, Arnot Power Station issued an order to DLC 56 project for the purchase and delivery of valves. The company in question purchased and delivered the valves to Arnot Power Station. In early 2020, Arnot Power Station issued another order for the purchase and delivery of valves to Arnot Power Station.
The above valves are only manufactured by Billfinger Intervalves as per the specification of Eskom. Late in 2020, Tutuka power station issued an order to Dibuseng Business Enterprise for purchase and delivery of valves. Dibuseng Business Enterprise delivered valves to Tutuka power station, and payment was made to an amount of R 1 039 116.85.
Upon inspection of the valves by the site manager, they not noticed that they not according to the agreed specifications.
The company was called for clarity and the and Mmathinyane agreed that he would make his was to the site and provide explanation for the order. During the investigation, the site manager contacted Billfinger who said they have no knowledge of the order.
Further investigations revealed that the valves were the same valves that were stolen and reported from Arnot Power Station in 2020.
This is according to Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi who also said that Billfinger said that Dibuseng business enterprise only did a quotation with them and they never sold any valves to them.
“The matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigation. During investigation, it was discovered that the delivery documents submitted by Dibuseng Business Enterprise were the same documents/certificates issued by Billfinger to the two companies. Dibuseng Business Enterprises fraudulently changed the name of those suppliers to his own business name.”
“During further investigation, they noted that on the documents there was information of accused 3 as the person who assisted Dibuseng Business Enterprise to be in possession of the stolen valves. On the basis that Eskom purchased the same valves twice, it had an actual loss of R 1 039 116.85.”
Mmathinyane was released on R 20 000 bail while Mokgadi was released on R 10 000 ahead of first appearance on 20 February 2024 at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
