The sentencing hearing for convicted art fraudster Jeff Cowan took an interesting turn this week when his defence counsel called a Norval Morrisseau expert to the stand who told court that he believes members of the late Indigenous painter’s family and his estate could have been complicit in selling fake and mimicked works.
Cowan’s lawyer, Nathan Gorham, called John Zemanovich, who gave evidence over two days on direct examination.
Near the conclusion of the second day of his evidence, Zemanovich was asked whether he believes those close to the late painter or estate representatives played a role in dodgy art being sold in his name.
Zemanovich gave a qualified reply.
“The best way to answer that is (to say) that there is plenty of circumstantial evidence and plenty of red flags, but not enough” direct evidence to prove criminal charges, said Zemanovich.
The sentencing hearing also…
THE TUTUKA POWER STATION PROCUREMENT FRAUD (ESKOM)
Date: August 29, 2025 Perpetrator: Jessie Phindile Kubheka (Supplier Director)
Case Description: As part of the ongoing “cleaning up” of Eskom, Jessie Phindile Kubheka was sentenced to 12 years (with 5 years suspended) for defrauding the Tutuka Power Station. The case involved a sophisticated procurement syndicate that exploited Eskom’s emergency repair protocols. Kubheka’s company was contracted to deliver three high-specification containers for the power station. Only one container was ever delivered, and even that single unit failed to meet the required safety and technical specifications.
Despite the lack of delivery, Kubheka issued grossly inflated invoices, defrauding the utility of approximately R2.6 million. The Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court ordered Kubheka to repay the full amount. This case is significant because it marks a shift in Eskom’s strategy toward “naming and shaming” suppliers and pursuing full asset recovery. It serves as a stark warning to contractors that the 2026 climate of “Zero Tolerance” for state-owned enterprise (SOE) fraud is backed by active judicial enforcement.
Link to Original: Eskom Official – Tutuka Fraud Sentencing