R 14.7 million Eskom fraud case postponed

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Photo: Hawks

A R 14.7million Eskom fraud case has been postponed to June 5 pending further investigations and tracing of another suspect.

Mpumalanga Hawks Spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi has confirmed an arrest of another suspect, Maria Cantelo who is also a Portuguese national.

The 53 years old was arrested by the Middleburg based Hawks unit on Friday moments before making an appearance at Hendrina Magistrates Court.

Castelo was granted R 100 000 bail and ordered to hand over her travel documents and further ordered to not travel anywhere outside Mpumalanga without informing the Investigating Officer (IO).

She, however, was further warned that she will remain in custody until the bail amount is fully paid.

“This brings to a total of five suspects arrested following an intensive investigation conducted by Eskom Forensic Investigators who later reported the matter to the Hawks for further investigation on 22 March 2023.”

“It is alleged that over the period between March to April 2013 the accused acted in concert and facilitated tender processes without following proper procurement processes and benefited from the proceed of crime.”

Captain Sekgotodi added that accused Thandeka Innocentia Nkosi (42), Godfrey Jason Jones (46), Rabela Sarah Jones (71) were arrested and released on R100 000.00 bail each, excluding Rabela Sarah Jones who was released on R30 000.00 bail due to her health condition.

A warrant of arrest was issued against another suspect who is currently on the run.