By Zuko Komisa

- Former Eskom buyer Nozipho Ntuli and five associates were convicted of fraud and money laundering totaling R8.5 million.
- The illicit tender rigging scheme operated between 2016 and 2019, benefiting companies tied to Ntuli’s incarcerated partner.
- The Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court adjourned the case until 19 October 2026 for sentencing and asset restraint proceedings.
A former Eskom buyer and five associates have been convicted alongside three companies in connection with an R8.5 million fraud and money laundering scheme targeting the state power utility.
The Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court delivered the verdict following a joint investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime unit, the Priority Crime Management Centre, and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Between October 2016 and May 2019, former buyer Nozipho Ntuli abused her position to award lucrative tenders to firms connected to her partner, Edward George Sekatane, who directed Phoenix Motion Enterprise whilst incarcerated. Additional contracts were channelled through Sekatane’s uncle, Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, and associate Thulani Harries Mahlalela.
Ntuli was found guilty of fraud, whilst her accomplices and their respective corporate entities Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development, and Itireleng Masheleng were convicted of money laundering offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
“The investigation revealed that, between October 2016 and May 2019, Nozipho Ntuli, a former Eskom buyer, allegedly abused her position by fraudulently awarding tenders to companies linked to people close to her.”
The court adjourned the matter until 19 October 2026 for sentencing. The Asset Forfeiture Unit is expected to file an application for a restraint order to recover the stolen funds.
READ NEXT: She was arrested and released – now police want to find her in DJ Warras’ murder case