The National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) asset forfeiture unit has obtained an order to freeze assets belonging to an alleged syndicate accused of stealing millions of of rands from Eskom.
The order granted by the high court in Pretoria serves to freeze properties and cash to the tune of R29-million.
Suspected mastermind
It is alleged that Mothelli Ben Theletsane, the suspected mastermind, ran a “ghost vending syndicate” through which he and his family sold illicit electricity vouchers for personal gratification.
According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjane, Theletsane, who is now late, was an employee of Eskom when he acquired technical expertise leading to the alleged crime.
Upon his passing, his wife and children took over, said Mahanjane.
“In his [Theletsane] role, he worked in a pre-paid environment, supporting Eskom’s pre-paid vending system and operated as a supervisor.
“During his time at Eskom, he gained intricate knowledge of the operations of the machines and acquired technical expertise on the credit dispensing units (CDU).
“Unbeknownst to Eskom, he also obtained a master vending unit capable of generating unlimited prepaid electricity vouchers and several CDUs.
“After his passing in 2017, his wife Thandi Roselinah Theletsane, and her three sons took over the business,” said Mahanjane.
She confirmed that the family had siphoned about R36-million through its illicit business, adding that it also secured 66 movable and immovable properties worth millions of rands.
Long arm of the law
However, the law caught up with the family and it was apprehended in July 2021.
“In 2012, it came to light that Theletsane had allegedly been operating a ghost vending operation, illicitly generating electricity vouchers with a total value of over R36-million.
“These vouchers were sold to the public for personal gain, and the operation expanded to all nine provinces in South Africa.
“Through this syndicate, the Theletsane family and their company, Mothelli Theletsane Holdings and Investm ents managed to acquire 27 movable and 39 immovable properties worth over R23-million through the proceeds of these illegal activities.
“Ten other individuals were also involved in the syndicate, acquiring 17 movable and one immovable property with a total value of over R1.5-million.
“The Theletsane family and these 10 accused individuals were arrested on July 14 2021 and appeared at Fochville magistrate’s court.
“During their most recent appearance on October 31 2023, the matter was remanded to November 15 2023 to allow one of the accused to apply for Legal Aid assistance,” she said.
