Michael Lomas graft case postponed to next Friday

Lomas is facing 65 counts of corruption linked to the R1.4 billion that was meant to upgrade Eskom’s Kusile power station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in collaboration with prosecutors from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption from the United Kingdom conducted an intensive investigation into the alleged corruption at Kusile power station, wherein 11 other accused are facing similar charges,” said the prosecuting authority’s spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

The 77-year-old arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday morning in a wheelchair and neck brace following his successful extradition from the UK.

READ MORE: UK to extradite fraud accused Eskom contractor to SA

Lomas was released on bail following his arrest in the UK in 2021. After his extradition was sealed between the two countries in January last year, Lomas made five appeals to bar his return to South Africa.

Speaking outside the Kempton Park court, a frail-looking Lomas described his handling by the extradition team as “gracious”, and said it was good to be back.

He added that the extradition team was helpful and did a “fantastic job”.

He will remain behind bars until his next appearance in the Palm Ridge Regional Court where he is expected to apply to be released on bail.

“The matter for the 11 accused is currently before the Johannesburg High Court. Lomas will be charged and processed in the lower court before his matter is combined with the one appearing before the Johannesburg High Court where IDAC prosecutes the matter,” Mamothame said.

Following the arrest and court appearance of the 11 accused, which include Eskom’s former executives and Tibular Construction Projects directors, the Asset Forfeiture Unit was granted a restraint order valued at approximately R1.4 billion.

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