Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Fraud accused Patric Patrese Jones, who was on the run for about 10 years, has been denied bail and remanded in custody until 4 December 2023.
The 55-year-old Patric Patrese Jones and several co-accused allegedly defrauded Eskom of R14,7 million through a dodgy deal to supply the power utility with Bowl pumps.
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Patric Patrese Jones was arrested at his hideout in Gordons Bay, Western Cape, on 7 September 2023,.
Since his arrest, Patric Patrese Jones appeared in Western Cape on 7 September 2023, and twice at the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on 11 and 13 September 2023.
This week, on Monday, Patric Patrese Jones appeared in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court, in Mpumalanga, where he was denied bail.
Allegations are that in April 2013, Patric Patrese Jones colluded with Thandeka Innocentia Nkosi, who was working for Eskom as a Senior Buyer, to defraud the power utility.
Allegations are that the family of Patric Patrese Jones and his girlfriend were involved in the fraud in which Eskom paid R14,7 million in advance to Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD for bowl pumps, which were not delivered.
Patric Patrese Jones’ brother, Godfrey Jason Jones, was a signatory to Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD business account held at Standard Bank.
Their mother Rabela Sarah Jones was the sole director of Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD and Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD.
Patric Patrese Jones’s girlfriend, Maria Cantelo – a foreign national allegedly facilitated the tender processes on behalf of Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD.
All the suspects linked to the fraud – except Patric Patrese Jones – have been released on bail.
