LISTEN: Koko rubbishes state capture report blaming him for Eskom collapse
Former Eskom CEO Matshela Koko has rubbished the latest instalment of the state capture commission's report which fingers him in the rot at the power utility.
Part 4 of the report was released on Friday.
Koko, Eskom executives Brian Molefe and Anoj Singh are described as central to the capturing of Eskom, adding the trio was involved in a scheme designed to exploit Eskom and benefit Salim Essa’s company Trillian.
The commission's chairperson Raymond Zondo found that Eskom tenders totalling R14.7 billion were affected by the criminal network.
The report found that Koko, Singh and Molefe were present at Eskom board meetings where the potential irregularities and the need for National Treasury approvals were discussed.
But Koko has now hit out at the damning findings against him, citing unfair procedure.
“I appeared before the commission nine times, the evidence leader led me on nine occasions and what should have happened after that is that my counsel should have led me on my evidence. My counsel did not lead me on my evidence because Chief Justice Zondo said he did not have the time,” said Koko on Monday.
“I think it’s disappointing that my counsel did not lead me on my affidavit before the commission.
“The findings of Judge Zondo is not consistent with the evidence before him.”
The commission recommended Koko be investigated further and possibly prosecuted for graft by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“I think he has set up the NPA to fail because the NPA will have to consider my affidavit.”
Koko stands firm he played no part in the embattled utility’s collapse.
“I presented Eskom data to Judge Zondo. I showed him that between 2001 and 2021, the best operational performance happened under my tenure in 2015 - that is the best operation improvement at Eskom.
“It is the same person who gave you the best operational improvement that you’re accusing of Eskom’s collapse, is that not ridiculous? The data speaks for itself,” Koko adds.
Koko believes Zondo had ulterior motives, leaving him to be collateral damage.
“He had a target. We’re sitting here now guessing who must be blamed when Zondo was set up to answer that.”
Listen to Koko below:
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