MPUMALANGA – A former Eskom employee, three other individuals and three companies have been convicted in a fraud and money-laundering case involving contracts awarded through a fraudulent tender process.
The convictions were handed down at the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mpumalanga.
The case was investigated by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with the Priority Crime Management Centre, Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority.
According to evidence presented in court, the offences took place between October 2016 and May 2019.
The Hawks said Nozipho Ntuli, 39, a former Eskom buyer, abused her position by fraudulently awarding tenders to companies allegedly linked to people close to her.
Three companies were identified as having benefited from the contracts: Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development and Itireleng Masheleng.
Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Edward George Sekatane, 46, received contracts worth R5.38 million. According to the investigation, Sekatane was in a relationship with Ntuli at the time.
Hustle Hard Development benefited by R2.23 million, while Itireleng Masheleng received approximately R913 712.
The total financial loss to Eskom was R8.53 million.
The investigation also uncovered links between the companies and Sekatane. Thulani Harries Mahlalela, 43, was a director of Hustle Hard Development, while Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, 62, was identified as Edward Sekatane’s uncle.
The Hawks further alleged that Edward Sekatane continued running Phoenix Motion Enterprise while he was incarcerated.
Ntuli was convicted of fraud, while Edward George Sekatane, Mahlalela and Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, together with Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development and Itireleng Masheleng, were convicted of money-laundering offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The matter was postponed to 19 October 2026 for sentencing.
The Asset Forfeiture Unit is also expected to pursue a restraint order as authorities seek to identify and secure assets linked to the proceeds of crime.
Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the convictions, saying the outcome demonstrated the law-enforcement agency’s commitment to tackling complex commercial crimes.
“This conviction demonstrates the Hawks’ commitment to investigating complex commercial crimes and holding individuals accountable when they abuse positions of trust for personal gain,” Gerber said.
He added that public institutions needed to be protected from corruption, fraud and organised criminal activities that undermine service delivery and public confidence.
The Hawks said the investigation and subsequent prosecution demonstrated that individuals who unlawfully benefit from public resources will be pursued.
The case also highlights the role of the Asset Forfeiture Unit in preventing those convicted of serious economic crimes from retaining the proceeds of criminal activity.
Sentencing is expected to be the next significant development when the convicted individuals return to the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in October.
