Antonio Trindade, ex-Eskom contractor, deemed unfit for trial in a R1.4bn Kusile graft case

Antonio Trindade, a former Eskom contractor and ex-CEO of Tubular Construction, has been declared unfit to stand trial in a case involving allegations of corruption tied to a R1.4 billion contract for upgrades at Kusile Power Station. This decision follows a psychiatric report presented in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

The report, prepared by a panel of psychiatrists and a psychologist from Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, revealed that the 69-year-old suffers from a "major neurocognitive disorder" stemming from a stroke he had in December last year. It also highlighted his "frail" physical state. Trindade has been in and out of court since his initial arrest in 2019 but was not present for Tuesday's proceedings.

The allegations against Trindade include claims that Tubular Construction secured the Kusile Power Station contract under pressure from former Eskom executives like Abram Masango, who is also accused of receiving substantial kickbacks.

The court also addressed the status of Michael Lomas, another accused who was extradited from the UK in September. Tuesday marked Lomas’ first joint appearance with co-accused Masango, France Hlakudi, and Maphoko Kgomoeswana. Lomas initially declined to apply for bail after his arrest in 2021 but is now seeking free bail, citing his prior release on bail in the UK.

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The State has asked for a separation of Trindade’s trial due to his condition and requested a postponement until May 8, 2025, for an update. If there’s no improvement, the court will decide on the next steps. Additionally, the State requested the cancellation of the warrant for Trindade’s detention issued during his referral to Sterkfontein and reinstatement of his R300,000 bail.