Fraud-accused fugitive Lomas to spend first night in SA jail after extradition
Lomas, who faces 41 corruption charges linked to an R1.5 billion Eskom scandal, was handed over to the Hawks by SAOS' Interpol unit following five failed legal bids to stop his extradition.
Wanted Eskom fugitive Michael Lomas is extradited to South Africa on 20 September 2024. Picture: Mongezi Koko/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Fraud-accused fugitive Michael Lomas will spend his first night behind bars in South Africa after being extradited from the UK on Friday morning.
Lomas, who faces 41 corruption charges linked to an R1.5 billion Eskom scandal, was handed over to the Hawks by SAOS' Interpol unit following five failed legal bids to stop his extradition.
The 77-year-old, who was arrested in the UK in 2021, was previously granted bail of R6 million.
On Friday, he made a brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court, where his case was postponed for a formal bail application.
Lomas previously paid an initial R1.7 million bail and an R4.3 million surety in the UK, but now finds himself once again needing to convince a South African court to grant him bail.
His failure to comply with previous bail conditions abroad may impact his new application.
Lomas' case, which for now stands alone, is expected to be merged with that of 11 others accused of corrupt dealings at Eskom.
Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, explained how the case would proceed.
"Lomas will be charged and processed in the lower court before his matter is combined with the one appearing before the Johannesburg High Court, where the trial is expected to take place."
Lomas remains in custody.