How Eskom was tricked to pay for swimming pool

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has exposed an alleged R8 million bribery and corruption scheme.

- NICOLA MAWSON

According to the SIU, an Eskom employee and his family funnelled illicit kickbacks through a family-linked company to bankroll a luxury property in Bendor, Polokwane, and other personal perks.

In a statement, the SIU said it secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze a luxury property in Bendor, Polokwane, and a motor vehicle.

It added that an Eskom employee and his family apparently received around R8m in payments from companies unlawfully favoured in a R54m tender.

The SIU said the scheme was orchestrated through a tight-knit web of family and friends.

Johannes Mfalapitsa, the "Employer's Agent" and technical evaluator for Eskom's R54m tender for High-Definition Surveying Services, allegedly had winning bidders make payments to his family directly and through an associated company.

Mfalapitsa's spouse, Ndiyafhi Denge, allegedly received over R2.2m, while his brother, David Mfalapitsa, pocketed more than R228 000 from a director at one of the favoured companies.