Michael Lomas, a fraud-accused fugitive, has been extradited from the United Kingdom (UK) to South Africa, where he now faces 61 counts of corruption linked to a R1.5 billion Eskom scandal.
After being arrested in the UK in 2021, he was granted bail of R6 million, but his past failures to meet bail conditions may affect his current bail application in South Africa.
The 77-year-old made a brief court appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Friday, where his case has been postponed for a formal bail hearing.
It remains unclear whether he will forfeit the R6 million bail he paid earlier.
His case is expected to be combined with those of 11 other co-accused in the Eskom scandal.
His charges stem from his alleged involvement in the massive fraud scandal surrounding the construction of air condition condensers at Eskom’s Kusile power station.
Investigating Director Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said, “His extradition order was granted in January 2023, where he then lodged 5 appeals. Lomas will be charged and processed in the lower court before his matter is combined with the one appearing before the Johannesburg High Court where the trial is expected to take place.”
Lomas expressed gratitude towards South African authorities and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for what he called a “swift and safe” extradition process.
The 77-year-old spent his first night behind bars at a Johannesburg correctional facility on Friday night, after being handed over to the Hawks by the South African Police Service (SAPS) INTERPOL unit in the country.
His arrival follows five failed legal bids to stop his extradition.
South African authorities see his extradition as a significant victory, as it marks a step toward bringing those responsible for widespread corruption at the state-owned power utility to book.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is expected to formally charge Lomas in the coming days, but his legal team has signalled its intention to seek bail once again.
The case has been postponed to next Friday.
-EWN
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