The Hawks have secured a High Court restraint order targeting assets worth approximately R7.7 million following convictions in an R8.5 million fraud and money laundering case involving procurement contracts at Eskom’s Duvha Power Station.
The order, issued on 30 September 2026, covers four immovable properties and eight movable assets, including several motor vehicles, as authorities move to preserve assets potentially linked to the criminal activity.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the development follows the convictions of former Eskom buyer Nozipho Ntuli, 39, Edward George Sekatane, 46, Thulani Harries Mahlalela, 43, Alfred Lebogang Sekatane, 62, and three companies implicated in the case.
On 18 August 2026, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Ntuli of fraud, while the other accused and their companies were convicted of money laundering-related offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The Hawks’ investigation established that between October 2016 and May 2019, Ntuli allegedly abused her position as an Eskom buyer by awarding contracts to companies linked to individuals with whom she had personal relationships or associations, without properly addressing potential conflicts of interest.
The companies identified were Phoenix Motion Enterprise, Hustle Hard Development and Itireleng Masheleng. Contracts awarded to the three companies amounted to R8 525 738, resulting in a reported financial loss to Eskom of the same amount.
Phoenix Motion Enterprise, directed by Sekatane, received contracts worth approximately R5.38 million. Hustle Hard Development, directed by Mahlalela, received contracts valued at R2.23 million, while Itireleng Masheleng received contracts worth approximately R913 712.
Evidence further indicated that Sekatane continued running Phoenix Motion Enterprise while serving a prison sentence for an armed robbery conviction.
Restrained assets
The restrained assets include four properties in Emalahleni and Middelburg, collectively valued at approximately R6.82 million. Among them is a property in Aerorand, Middelburg, valued at R5.25 million.
The movable assets include a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai i20, Mazda Drifter, Citroën C3, Ford Bantam, Volkswagen Caddy and a motorbike trailer. The total reported value of the restrained assets is R7 746 050.
The investigation was conducted by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation unit, working alongside the Priority Crime Management Centre, Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber said the outcome demonstrated the importance of pursuing assets potentially linked to criminal activity in addition to securing convictions.
‘The outcome sends a clear message that investigations into alleged corruption and fraud do not end with identifying wrongdoing. Where the evidence supports further legal action, efforts will also be directed at preserving assets potentially linked to criminal activity,’ Gerber said.
The restraint order is intended to prevent the disposal or dissipation of the assets while further legal proceedings are pursued. Any eventual forfeiture remains subject to the applicable legal process and a court determination.
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