Millions in assets of Eskom 'pre-paid vending syndicate' frozen
The High Court in Pretoria has granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit the green light to freeze properties worth R29 million linked to former Eskom pre-paid vending system contractor Mothelli Theletsane.
Theletsane worked as a supervisor, where he gained knowledge on the Credit Dispensing Units (CDU), Master Vending Unit (MVU), that can generate limitless prepaid electricity vouchers.
After his death in 2017, the wife Thandi Theletsane took over the business with her three sons Papi, Tebello and Sibusiso.
In 2012, it was discovered that Theletsane ran a ghost vending operation whereby he illegally generated electricity vouchers to the value of over R36 million and sold them to the public for his benefit.
Gauteng NPA Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the business was later expanded to the rest of the provinces.
"Through the syndicate, the Theletsane family and the company Mothelli Theletsane Holdings and Investment (PTY) Ltd, they managed to acquire 27 movable and 39 immovable properties worth over R23 million from the proceeds of crime.
"The co-accused are Petrus Mohapi, Donald Rammusi, Victor Mdlalose, Joseph Mdlalose, Florence Mdlalose, Daniel Moleko , Xolani Dube, Dennis Thabanyana, Raymond Mohapi and Sebabatso Madibuseng Mbele, acquired 17 movable and one immovable property to the value of over R1.5 million."
All the suspects were arrested in July 2021 and appeared in Fochville Magistrate's Court.
The case has been postponed to 15 November for one of the accused to apply for Legal Aid assistance.
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