MPUMALANGA – A Hawks investigation into the fraudulent diversion of approximately R1.8 million in Eskom funds has ended with a former Eskom employee behind bars after she was sentenced to an effective 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
Cinderella Thabisile Muropane was sentenced by the Nelspruit court on 2 October 2026, following a meticulous investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in Middelburg into a scheme involving fraudulent invoices and payments made to a company that had stopped performing work for Eskom. The case dates back to 2013, when Muropane was employed by Eskom at its Nelspruit offices.
The investigation revealed that Mandla Lines CC, owned by David Mthetwa, had been contracted by Eskom on a live-work basis from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. However, the company’s last legitimate work order was issued on 2 May 2012.
Thereafter, Mandla Lines CC performed no further work for Eskom. The work was instead carried out by a different contractor, which was duly paid by Eskom for the services rendered.
Despite this, fraudulent invoices were allegedly generated in the name of Mandla Lines CC from Eskom’s Nelspruit offices, resulting in payments being processed into the company’s bank account for work it had not performed.
The fraudulent transactions ultimately caused Eskom to suffer a financial loss of approximately R1.8 million.
Following the Hawks investigation, Muropane was convicted on multiple counts of fraud and sentenced as follows:
- Counts 1–16: 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Counts 17–55: 7 years’ imprisonment.
- Counts 56–94: 7 years’ imprisonment.
All sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the sentence, saying the outcome demonstrates the consequences awaiting individuals who abuse positions of trust to facilitate the unlawful loss of public funds.
“Public money is not a personal purse, and positions of trust must never be turned into platforms for fraud. This conviction and sentence demonstrate that the Hawks will relentlessly pursue those who manipulate systems, falsify transactions and unlawfully divert public resources. We will continue following the money, strengthening investigations and ensuring that those who abuse public institutions are brought before the courts,” said Major General Gerber.
The Hawks further emphasise that fraud involving public institutions does not only result in financial losses, but undermines public confidence and diverts resources intended to serve communities.
The message from the Hawks is clear: abusing a position of trust to steal or facilitate the unlawful diversion of public funds carries serious consequences.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga remain committed to investigating serious commercial crimes, following the money and dismantling criminal schemes that prey on public institutions.