By Iavan Pijoos.
Former Eskom contractor Michael Lomas, who failed in his fight to avoid extradition to South Africa in connection with a R745-million Kusile fraud and corruption matter, has touched down at OR Tambo International Airport.
Lomas was extradited from the United Kingdom where he was arrested in 2021. Before he landed at 10:36, several SAPS vehicles and officers were seen outside the police station at the airport. Lomas, who was wearing a neck brace, was seen being taken away by police in a wheelchair.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that part of the conditions of the extradition was that a medical doctor must be part of the team to ensure Lomas’ medical wellbeing.
“The suspect is not in good health. SAPS Interpol SA requested the Department of Defence to avail a doctor and it was arranged,” Mathe said.
“Onboard the flight is SAPS interpol extradition unit, police officers and a doctor.”
The Investigating Directorate (ID), with the help of the Department of Justice and UK-based lawyers, successfully argued for his extradition in 2022.
Lomas was arrested by British police in 2021 at the request of South African authorities.
He was granted bail of £100 000 (about R1.7 million) and was asked to submit an additional surety of £250 000 (about R4.3 million).
At the time, ID head Andrea Johnson said there had been months of talks with UK authorities about the fraud and corruption case.
According to the ID, Eskom paid R745 million to Tubular Construction Projects, exposing the state-owned entity to R1.4 billion in costs as per the escalation of the contract.
The request made by South African authorities was for Lomas to stand trial with his co-accused former Eskom managers – Frans Hlakudi and Abram Masango, businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana, and Tubular Construction CEO Antonio Trindade.
Hlakudi, Masango, Kgomoeswana and Trindade are facing charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and offering and receiving unauthorised gratifications.