Former Tubular Construction CEO Antonio Trindade, accused in the R1.4 billion Kusile Power Station corruption scandal, has been deemed unfit to stand trial.
Story Summary:
- Antonio Trindade, accused in the R1.4 billion Kusile Power Station fraud case, has been declared unfit to stand trial due to a “major neurocognitive disorder” caused by a stroke.
- Extradited from the UK in September, co-accused Michael Lomas appeared in court, facing charges related to fraud and corruption at Eskom’s Kusile project.
- The case continues for other accused, with hearings scheduled for March and May 2025.
Antonio Trindade declared unfit to stand trial
A report presented in the Gauteng High Court on Tuesday revealed that the 69-year-old suffers from a “major neurocognitive disorder” following a stroke in December 2023.
The psychiatric assessment, conducted by experts at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, also highlighted Trindade’s frail physical condition.
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Consequently, the court ruled for a separation of Trindade’s trial from his co-accused, with his R300,000 bail reinstated.
The court will revisit his condition in May 2025 to determine further steps.
Trindade has faced allegations of orchestrating irregularities in the Kusile project while collaborating with senior Eskom officials, including former executive Abram Masango.
Michael Lomas makes court appearance after extradition
Another key figure in the scandal, Michael Lomas, appeared in court on Tuesday for the first time alongside his co-accused.
Extradited from the UK in September, Lomas faces 41 charges of fraud and corruption related to his role in awarding a R745 million contract to Tubular Construction.
Lomas, described as a suicide risk during his extradition hearings, arrived in South Africa under close supervision and has since opted to apply for bail.
His legal representative, Mannie Witz, argued for free bail, citing his compliance during earlier UK proceedings.
The court postponed the matter involving Lomas and other accused, including former Eskom executives Masango and France Hlakudi, to March 2025.
Corruption at Kusile power station
The allegations against Trindade, Lomas, and others stem from a decade-long scheme involving tender manipulation at the Kusile Power Station, one of South Africa’s largest energy projects.
The Hawks allege that Tubular Construction benefitted from fraudulent contracts facilitated by bribed Eskom officials.
Eskom has faced numerous scandals tied to mismanagement and corruption, with the Kusile project symbolising broader issues within the power utility.
As the trial progresses, attention remains on the remaining accused, as South African authorities continue efforts to address systemic corruption at Eskom.
