FUGITIVE DENIED BAIL AND WAS SENT TO JAIL FOR R14.7 MILLION ESKOM FRAUD, THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING
MPUMALANGA- Patric Patrese Jones (55) who was sought by the Hawks and published in the media as wanted for fraud, theft, and money laundering was arrested by the Hawks counterparts in Western Cape on 07 September 2023 at his hiding place in Gordons Bay. It is alleged that in April 2013, Jones colluded with Thandeka Innocentia Nkosi (42), who was working for Eskom as a Senior Buyer. During the investigation, it was established that the family of Jones and his girlfriend were involved in the defrauding as follows: Godfrey Jason Jones(46)( brother) was a signatory to Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD business account held at Standard Bank. Rabela Sarah Jones (71) (mother) was the sole director of Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD and Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD.
Maria Cantelo (53) a foreign national (Jones`s girlfriend) facilitated the tender processes on behalf of Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD and benefited from the proceeds of the crime. She was arrested and added as accused number five by the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for Eskom R14.7 million theft, fraud and money laundering on Friday, 5 April 2023.
The accused was joined by four other accused, Thandeka Innocntia Nkosi (42), Godfrey Jason Jones (46), Rabela Sarah Jones (71) and Angel Frost Investment PTY LTD. The accused were arrested and released on R100 000.00 bail each, excluding Rabela Sarah Jones, who was released on R30 000.00 bail due to her health conditions by the Hendrina Specialized Commercial Crimes Court.
Jones appeared in transit in (Western Cape), Strand Magistrates’ Court on 08 September 2023. He was transferred to Mpumalanga where he appeared at Hendrina Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 11 September 2023. He was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to Wednesday, 13 September 2023, he was joined by his co-accused and made a formal bail application. He was remanded in custody on 18 September 2023 for bail judgement.
The accused appeared in court on 18 September 2023 and the judgement was in favour of the state he was remanded in custody until 4 December 2023 at Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber applauded the Western Cape multi-disciplinary team for the breakthrough in arresting the fugitive who has been hiding for almost ten years. The General also applauded the investigating officer for his determination and good standing in court to oppose bail.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
