Eskom and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) have instituted proceedings in the North Gauteng High Court to recoup R3.8 billion irregularly earned by former partners and managers and/or state official/s during state capture.

The civil case is against the Gupta family brothers and their associates – among them, are former Eskom’s management personnel and directors. The summons also make mention of a former minister who is now a member of parliament (MP) in the current government.

Eskom is South Africa’s primary power supplier while SIU is the arm of government in the security cluster that probes special crimes.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Eskom’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said the power utility seeks to ask the court to legally compel these individuals to repay ill-gotten gains whose behaviour resulted in losses to the people of SA. 

According to Eskom’s media release, the Gupta family brothers and one of their associates are in Dubai. The court proceedings will carry on nonetheless.

This civil action does not require them to be physically in the country (SA), Mantshantsha stressed, it is designed to get the defendants to cooperate in Eskom’s legal quest to recoup and restore the money lost.

He also clarified that they are not seeking to extradite anybody. The issue of arrests and prosecution will be handled by the police, he clarified. Below, is a joint statement concerning this matter.

At this very moment, there is a government-established Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into alleged corruption and irregularities into state contracts and influence thereto.

The commission is chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to hear evidence and solicit responses from various witnesses and those implicated among others.