The trial of French Hlakudi, a former senior Eskom executive accused of tax fraud of up to R30 million, was on Monday adjourned after the court heard that he had not given written instructions to his lawyers.
Trial postponed
The trial is expected to continue on Thursday.
“The adjournment allows them to give written instructions. However, we do not predict that the trial will continue on the 16th,” said Sindisiwe Seboka, spokesperson for the Independent Directorate (ID) of the NPA.
Seboka said another court date will be set.
“As a country, we are ready. We have started testing in 2022,” said Seboka.
Also read: Court freezes R1.4bn from former Eskom executive, supplier assets
Tax fraud charges
Hlakudi is facing tax fraud charges related to his personal tax affairs and three of his companies – Hlakudi Translation and Interpretation, Coxinel Chicken, and Bon Services Telecom.
The 44 fraud and tax evasion charges relate to funds Hlakudi and his company received between 2015 and 2018.
The former Eskom executive has changed legal representation several times during the trial. He later told the court that he would represent himself before being appointed a Legal Aid lawyer.
Kusile power plant
Hlakudi also faces charges related to the construction of the Kusile Power Plant. The charges are for fraud, corruption and money laundering involving contracts worth R745 million.
He was prosecuted alongside former Eskom group executive for the capital division, Abram Masango, businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana, and Tubular Construction CEO Antonio Trindade.
Hlakudi is accused of accepting a R30 million bribe from Trindade.
In March 2022, Hlakudi failed to appear in court. This resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued against him and his bail of R300 000 being temporarily revoked.
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