Eskom has welcomed the sentence handed down on 22 August 2025, by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, in the Tutuka Power Station fraud and corruption case, a landmark step in the fight against organised crime.
Supplier Ms Jessie Phindile Kubheka, a Director and majority shareholder in one of the implicated companies, was sentenced to:
- 12 years for fraud, suspended for five years under strict conditions
- Four years for money laundering, suspended for five years
- And ordered to repay Eskom R2 595 000.
The sentencing relates to a 2020 case in which Eskom investigations uncovered a syndicate that was paid to deliver three containers to Tutuka Power Station. Only one container was delivered, and it failed to meet Eskom’s specifications. Although each container was valued at R60 000, the invoiced amount was grossly inflated. Through the use of overpriced invoices, the scheme defrauded Eskom of R2 595 000.
“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated. The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. Together with our law enforcement partners we will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country, and we will seek prosecutions wherever possible,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
To strengthen governance and accelerate investigations, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security, and investigative functions into the Group Investigations and Security (GIS) Division, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive. Working closely with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee, GIS ensures swift action against fraud and corruption, in order to protect Eskom’s assets and maintain public trust.
Eskom urges employees and the public to help protect the organisation by reporting any knowledge of fraud, theft, or illegal electricity sales. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22, or via WhatsApp: 081 333 3323.
Stabilising the generation fleet
This success on the crime-fighting front comes after Eskom announced last week (22 August 2025) that unplanned outages were at 7 265 MW – marking the first time the generation fleet has operated below the 8 000 MW UCLF level since 11 December 2020 and highlighting the structural progress in plant performance the utility has achieved as a result of the ongoing implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan.
Nearing the end of its Winter Outlook period (31 August 2025), Eskom said the power system remains well-positioned to maintain stability and reliably meet demand.
Eskom is scheduled to announce its Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025.
For more information visit: www.eskom.co.za
