British businessman and Eskom contractor Michael Lomas has walked free despite pleading guilty to fraud, theft and corruption in a high-profile case linked to a R745 million Eskom contract. The 79-year-old received a 15-year prison sentence that was wholly suspended for five years after admitting to paying bribes to senior Eskom officials to help secure work at the Kusile Power Station.
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg accepted a plea and sentence agreement on Thursday, 6 August 2026, bringing an end to Lomas’ criminal case while related proceedings against his co-accused continue.
Michael Lomas Admits Paying Bribes In Eskom Kusile Contract
Lomas admitted he channelled more than R2.6 million in bribes to former senior Eskom managers France Hlakudi and Abram Masango to ensure Tubular Construction Projects secured work on the Kusile Power Station upgrade.
His plea agreement detailed 10 deposits totalling R2,249,500 made into Hlakudi’s bank accounts. He also admitted paying R396,559.88 in rent for a Midrand property used by Hlakudi and Masango.
Eskom ultimately paid Tubular Construction Projects R745 million for the contract at the centre of the corruption case.
Speaking after the judgment, Advocate Manny Witz said:
“We have just finished in court and we are very happy that the matter is concluded. In view of all the circumstances, and taking his situation, his age and his health condition into account, the honourable judge considered all the factors, including section 105A and the agreement, plus the input of the complainant, Eskom, and the state advocates’ team. It was a well-balanced sentence.”
Why Michael Lomas Walked Free
IOL reports that the court considered Lomas’ age, poor health and the 10 months he had already spent in custody after being extradited from the United Kingdom.
Prosecutors told the court he requires round-the-clock medical care and that correctional facilities could not adequately accommodate his condition.
Lomas was arrested in London in April 2021 after leaving South Africa through Namibia in 2018. His extradition was approved in August 2024, and he returned to South Africa the following month under SAPS Interpol escort.
Eskom Corruption Trial Continues Against Co-Accused
Lomas was among 12 accused facing charges linked to the Kusile project. The remaining accused include former Eskom executives France Hlakudi and Abram Masango, Tubular Construction Projects CEO Antonio Trindade and businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana.
The State alleges Hlakudi and Masango each received R30 million in illegal gratification. Their cases, along with those involving the remaining accused, are still before the courts.
Although Lomas has avoided further imprisonment through the suspended sentence, the broader Eskom corruption prosecution remains ongoing as authorities pursue the remaining defendants.