Prosecute state capturers Koko and co now, Solidarity tells the NPA
22 November 2023
In an urgent letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Solidarity demands that the prosecution of former Eskom boss, Matshela Koko, and his co-accused be brought before the court again as a matter of priority.
The corruption case in which Koko was accused in 2022, and which relates to the Kusile coal-fired power station, was struck from the court roll. This did not happen because Koko’s innocence was proven, but rather because the investigation is being dragged out and the accused parties’ constitutional right to a speedy trial must be taken into account.
Solidarity is the complainant in the case and finds it totally unacceptable that the necessary steps to bring Koko to book are being accompanied by foot-dragging.
The court case deals with Koko’s share in large-scale corruption with contracts for the refurbishment of the Kusile power station in Mpumalanga. Among other things, Koko abused his powers to award contracts unlawfully and at inflated prices to suppliers. This includes contracts for and payments to his wife, two stepdaughters, as well as to companies McKinsey & Company and Trillion.
The charges also tie in with the Zondo Commission’s inquiry into state capture which identified Koko as a key figure in Eskom fraud and state capture.
According to Deon Reyneke, Deputy Chief Executive of Solidarity, the unreasonable delay in the prosecution is a grave matter.
“He is an absolute central figure in state capture and played a big part in the fact that South Africa is now left in the dark. That is why we clearly state that there is justice for South Africa in the prosecution of Koko.
“This decision is also a huge slap in the face for honest employees, and even more so for whistleblowers who disclosed this information in the first place.
“It is in fact thanks to that information that Solidarity filed the complaint with the police. The message being sent out is that there is no point in pointing out corruption if the NPA is just going to drop the ball again,” says Reyneke.
Solidarity hopes Koko and his co-accused realise that any talk of this development guaranteeing their freedom is premature and untrue.
“If he cannot be prosecuted by the NPA, or if they lack the capacity to carry out the matter, we are prepared to help start a process of private prosecution.
“It is necessary that state capturers pay for their crimes, and we cannot allow the prosecution process to be made a mockery of,” says Reyneke.
Issued by Deon Reyneke, Deputy Chief Executive, Solidarity, 22 November 2023
