Published on August 28, 2026
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2026
OPD NEWS:
OPD Internal Audit Uncovers Alleged Employee Fraud
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is committed to transparency and accountability. During a routine internal OPD audit of employee time sheets, OPD identified irregularities and initiated an investigation.
OPD referred its findings to the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for independent review. The CID investigation revealed alleged grand theft and public official fraud totaling approximately $38,000.
We want our community to know this discovery resulted directly from our proactive oversight, not an outside complaint.
The employee involved was placed on modified assignment during the investigation and is now on administrative leave.
Before this investigation, OPD had…
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