Former Eskom contractor Michael Lomas has received a 15-year wholly suspended sentence. He pleaded guilty to corruption, fraud and theft linked to the Kusile Power Station project.
Court approves plea agreement
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg approved a plea and sentence agreement on Friday. Lomas admitted that he paid more than R2.6 million in bribes to former Eskom managers France Hlakudi and Abram Masango.
The payments helped Tubular Construction Projects secure work on the Kusile Power Station project. As a result, Lomas became part of a major corruption case involving Eskom.
Extradited from the United Kingdom
Lomas is a 79-year-old British businessman. South Africa extradited him from the United Kingdom in 2024 to face the charges.
Why the sentence was suspended
The court considered several factors. These included his age, poor health, remorse and time spent in custody. In addition, Lomas agreed to testify against his co-accused.
A wholly suspended sentence means he will not go to prison unless he commits a similar offence during the suspension period.
Investigation continues
The case forms part of South Africa’s broader effort to prosecute corruption linked to major state infrastructure projects. Investigations into the remaining accused are expected to continue.
