MIDDELBURG – The prosecution of former Eskom executive Matšhela Koko may be reinstated pending the results of an investigation into allegations of potential conflicts of interest in the case.
This development follows reports of magistrate Stanley Jacobs’ alleged business connections with the power utility.
In September 2023, the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court removed the case of the State versus Matšhela Koko and others from the docket after a Section 342A inquiry into whether there had been unjustifiable delays in bringing the case to trial.
In the weeks following the court’s ruling, media outlets reported claims that the presiding magistrate, Stanley Jacobs, had been involved in business transactions with Eskom since 2014.
The Investigating Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority announced in a press release that it had officially escalated the matter to the Magistrate’s Commission due to potential conflicts of interest involving the magistrate in the Koko case.
“The ID conducted a comprehensive investigation, which included collaboration with the SIU, and confirmed the media allegations regarding a potential conflict of interest by the magistrate,” stated ID spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
“As a result, the ID has formally referred the matter to the Magistrate’s Commission for further scrutiny. Additionally, it will inform the Legal Practice Council about this referral.” He emphasised that the NPA remains confident in the strength of its case and the competence of its prosecution team. “The case will be reinitiated shortly.”
IMG_2045: The Matshela Koko case may be brought back to the court roll following magistrate Stanley Jacobs’ alleged business dealings with Eskom.
