Businessman extradited from UK to South Africa on corruption charges

A British businessman, formerly a contractor for South Africa’s struggling power utility, Eskom, has been extradited from the UK to face serious corruption charges. Michael Lomas is accused of being involved in a scheme that allegedly involved kickbacks on contracts related to his company, Tubular Construction, for work at the Kusile power station. The contracts in question are valued at over 1.4 billion rand (approximately $80 million or £60 million).

According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the national police, Lomas is charged with 65 counts of corruption and is accused of manipulating contracts. His legal troubles began in South Africa, where he was arrested but later released on bail. He subsequently fled to the UK, evading the legal proceedings. “He was a wanted fugitive,” Mathe noted, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Upon his arrival at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg early on Friday, Lomas was seen in a wheelchair and was under heavy police escort. Mathe mentioned that due to his poor health, one of the conditions for his extradition included having a medical doctor accompany him on the flight.

Lomas made a brief court appearance at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, where the case was adjourned. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) requested his extradition back in 2022, but the process faced delays due to multiple appeals lodged by Lomas, all of which were ultimately rejected.

He is not alone in facing charges; Lomas is one of twelve individuals implicated in this corruption scandal. Among the accused are two senior Eskom executives and two other businessmen. These individuals were arrested in 2019, and their case is currently ongoing in the Johannesburg High Court. The NPA stated that Lomas’s case will be processed and eventually combined with those of the other suspects.

The charges against the group include fraud, money laundering, and corruption, all linked to their alleged roles in taking kickbacks and inflating project costs at Kusile power station. This project was intended to address South Africa’s severe electricity shortages, but it has been plagued by significant delays and faults, further exacerbating the country’s energy crisis.

The Hawks, South Africa’s police unit dedicated to investigating economic crime, corruption, and organized crime, have been involved in this case since 2017. Their investigation was initiated after an employee raised concerns about one of the tenders related to the Kusile project.

Eskom, the state-owned power utility, has faced mounting allegations of corruption over the years. Mismanagement and corruption have severely impacted its ability to deliver reliable electricity, leading to widespread blackouts across the nation. The utility has been the subject of public scrutiny and has struggled to regain the trust of the South African populace.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Eskom and its contractors, as the nation grapples with the fallout from years of mismanagement. The case against Lomas and his co-accused could serve as a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption within South Africa’s public sector, particularly in institutions that are crucial to the country’s infrastructure and economic stability.

Lomas’s extradition and upcoming trial mark a significant step in addressing the pervasive corruption that has plagued Eskom and its operations. The NPA’s efforts to hold individuals accountable reflect a broader commitment to restoring integrity in public service and ensuring that those who exploit their positions for personal gain face justice.

As this high-profile case develops, it will be closely watched by both South Africans and the international community, highlighting the ongoing battle against corruption in both the private and public sectors in South Africa. The outcome may have far-reaching implications not only for the accused but also for the future governance and management of essential services in the country.