By Iavan Pijoos and Noxolo Sibiya
Michael Lomas, a former contractor at Eskom, is being extradited to South Africa to face charges related to the R745 million Kusile fraud and corruption scandal. Lomas, who was arrested by British police in 2021 at the request of South African authorities, will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Friday at 09:00.
The extradition was secured after extensive negotiations led by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate (ID), with assistance from the Department of Justice and UK-based lawyers. The British authorities granted Lomas bail while awaiting the final extradition process, which was completed in 2022.
Lomas is accused of playing a key role in a fraudulent scheme in which Eskom paid R745 million to Tubular Construction Projects, causing the state-owned power utility an additional R1.4 billion in escalated contract costs. The charges stem from the manipulation of contract details and misappropriation of funds related to the Kusile power station project.
South African authorities have been working closely with international counterparts to ensure Lomas stands trial alongside several co-accused, including former Eskom managers Frans Hlakudi and Abram Masango, businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana, and Tubular Construction CEO Antonio Trindade. These individuals face charges ranging from fraud and corruption to money laundering and the unauthorized receipt of bribes.
Once Lomas is handed over to the Hawks (South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit), he will join his co-accused in court to face the serious charges, with the possibility of additional arrests still under investigation.