Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala:
• Tender value: R228m contract (R50m paid out)
• Court outcome: Rejected an 8-year plea agreement as “too lenient”, with the court indicating a 12-year effective prison sentence was appropriate.
Michael Lomas:
• Tender value: R745m (Kusile Power Station corruption scheme)
• Court outcome: 15-year sentence, fully suspended.
One is Black. One is White.
Two corruption cases. Two vastly different outcomes.
What kind of sentencing is this? Almost a billion lost in corruption & he gets to go home? If our courts & NPA are so lenient on corruption, how the hell do they imagine the war against it will be won? At this stage of our democracy & development, corruption of this magnitude is the biggest cause of state and developmental failure!
Terrible sentencing! Mcm!
So illegal electricity is costing us R1.7-billion annually in eThekwini.
Following the release of this video, the municipality issued a statement which (in part) reads: "The Electricity and Energy Directorate has initiated the removal of unlawful electrical infrastructure. The dismantling process is currently underway as part of efforts to safeguard the electricity network, protect public safety, and prevent further illegal activities.
The Municipality remains committed to protecting its infrastructure, safeguarding public resources, and ensuring the safe and reliable supply of electricity to residents and businesses. The Directorate will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and act against those involved in electricity theft and related offences.
Members of the public are urged to report illegal electricity connections or suspected theft by contacting the Directorate’s Contact Centre on 0803 111 111."
What the response doesn't include, is how this practice will be prevented in the long-term.
Disconnected today, reconnected tomorrow.
Stolen electricity, much like corruption, has been normalised in South Africa.
We should be tired of government departments and officials getting...shocked into action only when long-standing crimes are exposed on social and mainstream media.
A video shows a newly built RDP house being used as a spaza shop, raising outrage among many South Africans. Many have questioned how a house meant to provide shelter for those in need could be turned into a business while thousands of people are still struggling to get RDP houses.
Electricity is stolen freely across @eThekwiniM, in broad daylight.
All while ratepayers are charged exorbitant prices.
Worse still, death is only a touch away.