On Wednesday, five individuals, including Patrick Patrese Jones, appeared before the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that defrauded Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity supplier, of more than R14 million.
Jones, who had been evading the authorities for a decade, was recently arrested at a hideout in the Western Cape. The case dates back to April 2013 and involves allegations of collusion between Jones and Thandeka Innocentia Nkosi, a former senior buyer employed by Eskom.
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As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that Jones’s family and his girlfriend were also implicated in the fraudulent activities. According to Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Jones was apprehended by law enforcement in the Western Cape on Thursday, 7 September 2023, at his hideaway in Gordons Bay.
This arrest marks the end of a decade-long evasion by Jones, who had been on the run since 2013. The alleged fraud scheme involved an intricate web of deceit. Eskom had advertised a tender for the supply and delivery of pumps at the Arnot power station.
Angel Frost Investment, a company associated with Jones and his family, was awarded the contract with the assistance of Nkosi. However, the company submitted fraudulent documents during the tender process.
Nkosi allegedly misled Eskom’s financial section into approving an upfront payment of R14 million to Angel Frost Investment, even though the transaction was based on false information. Shockingly, the pumps in question were never delivered to Eskom despite the payment being made.
During the course of the Hawks’ investigation, it was revealed that Nkosi had collaborated with Rabela Sara Jones, the mother of Patrick Patrese Jones, as well as his brother, Godfrey Jason Jones. Rabela Sara Jones served as the sole director of Angel Frost Investment, while Godfrey Jason Jones was identified as a signatory to the company’s business account held at Standard Bank.
Furthermore, Maria Cantelo, Patrick Patrese Jones’s girlfriend, was accused of facilitating the tender process on behalf of Angel Frost Investment. She was also alleged to have benefited from the proceeds of the fraudulent activities.
In April 2023, Cantelo was added as accused number five in the case, which involves charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering. The Hendrina Specialised Commercial Crimes Court granted bail to Nkosi, Cantelo, and Godfrey Jones, while Rabela Sara Jones was granted bail at a lower amount due to health conditions.
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Patrick Patrese Jones, who was recently arrested in the Western Cape, appeared before the Strand Magistrate’s Court before being transferred to Mpumalanga province. He has been remanded in custody and is expected to seek bail during the proceedings.
The alleged fraud scheme that defrauded Eskom of R14 million has brought five individuals before the court. Patrick Patrese Jones, who had been evading arrest for a decade, was finally apprehended in the Western Cape.
The case has revealed a complex network of collusion and fraudulent activities involving Jones, his family, and his girlfriend. As the court proceedings continue, the truth behind this elaborate scheme will hopefully be uncovered, and justice will be served.
