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Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Cinderella Thabisile Muropane, a former Eskom employee, has been sentenced to 10 years for stealing R1.8 million from the power utility.
Some thought that, like the folk tale of the same name, Cinderella had suddenly been blessed with a remarkable fortune.
However, an investigation by elite crime busters – the Hawks – revealed that Cinderella had defrauded Eskom of about R1.8 million.
The theft involved facilitating the payment of fraudulent invoices from a company that had stopped rendering its services to Eskom.
The case dates back to 2013, when Muropane was employed by Eskom at its Nelspruit offices.
The investigation revealed that Mandla Lines CC, owned by David Mthetwa, had been contracted by Eskom on a live-work basis from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.
However, the company’s last legitimate work order was issued on 2 May 2012.
Thereafter, Mandla Lines CC performed no further work for Eskom.
The work was instead carried out by a different contractor, which was duly paid by Eskom for the services rendered.
Despite this, fraudulent invoices were allegedly generated in the name of Mandla Lines CC from Eskom’s Nelspruit offices, resulting in payments being processed into the company’s bank account for work it had not performed.
The fraudulent transactions ultimately caused Eskom to suffer a financial loss of approximately R1.8 million.
Following a meticulous investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in Middelburg, Cinderella was arrested and tried.
On Friday, 2 October 2026, Cinderella appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court, where she was sentenced.
Unlike in the folk tale, Cinderella did not become rich and live happily ever after; instead, she lost her job and her freedom.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi  explained that the sentence for multiple counts of fraud was as follows:
- Counts 1–16: 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Counts 17–55: 7 years’ imprisonment.
- Counts 56–94: 7 years’ imprisonment.
“All sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment,” Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the sentence, saying the outcome demonstrates the consequences awaiting individuals who abuse positions of trust to facilitate the unlawful loss of public funds.
“Public money is not a personal purse, and positions of trust must never be turned into platforms for fraud,” said Major General Gerber.
“This conviction and sentence demonstrate that the Hawks will relentlessly pursue those who manipulate systems, falsify transactions and unlawfully divert public resources. Â
“We will continue following the money, strengthening investigations and ensuring that those who abuse public institutions are brought before the courts.”
The post R1,8M Fraud: Ex-Eskom Staffer Cinderella Thabisile Muropane Sentenced To 10 Years appeared first on The Bulrushes.
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