HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Officials are urging the public to be on the lookout for potential fraud and scam activity following the recent Kona low flooding.
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), say that after a disaster, scam artists will attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors.
Bad actors may attempt to exploit individuals posing as aid agencies, government officials, or charitable organizations.
The public is advised to take the following precautions to protect themselves and their families:
- Do not share personal information with unknown callers. Legitimate agencies like FEMA or DEM will not request sensitive information unexpectedly.
- Do not trust individuals asking for money. Government disaster assistance programs will not require upfront fees.
- If you suspect fraud, report it! The City…
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