Eskom contractor ABB to pay R2.5bn in reparations
Multinational engineering firm ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB) has agreed to pay more than R2.5 billion in punitive reparations to South Africa.
The payment relates to the ongoing criminal investigation into corruption at Eskom.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority's Investigating Directorate, the payment must be made into South Africa’s Criminal Asset Recovery Account within 60 days from 1 December.
The Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation, which was implicated in state capture-era corruption, already paid punitive amount of R1.6 billion Eskom in 2020.
NPA spokesperson Vuyo Mthunzi says ABB has acknowledged liability and taken responsibility for the alleged criminal conduct of its employees.
"The money, once paid into CARA, will be used as restitution for victims, and to assist in building South Africa’s capacity and resources in its ongoing fight against serious corruption."
Mhaga says the NPA may proceed to prosecute the firm as a corporate entity in the event that ABB breaches any of the terms of the settlement.
"It needs to be made clear, however, that this settlement does not indemnify any individuals involved in criminal conduct, including directors, staff and contractors of ABB.
"The NPA will continue to pursue these criminal prosecutions, with the support of ABB who has committed to ongoing collaboration to ensure accountability for the crimes allegedly committed by its employees."
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