A British businessman, Michael Lomas, has been extradited from the UK to South Africa to face 65 counts of corruption related to his former work with Eskom, the country’s troubled power utility. Lomas is accused of taking kickbacks on contracts with Eskom worth over $80 million for work at the Kusile power station. The allegations suggest that he manipulated contracts, leading to his arrest and subsequent escape to the UK.
Eskom has been plagued by corruption allegations and mismanagement, causing long-lasting blackouts in the country. Lomas arrived in Johannesburg under heavy police escort due to poor health conditions, with his extradition delayed due to multiple appeals. He is to be charged alongside 11 other alleged co-conspirators, including two senior Eskom executives, for fraud and corruption at the Kusile power station.
The case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa, where entities like the Hawks continue to investigate economic crimes. The involvement of high-ranking individuals underscores the deep-seated issues within Eskom and the country’s power sector.
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