The Johannesburg High Court is set to deliver judgment today on whether Michael Lomas will be granted bail.
UPDATE: The JHB high court has granted corruption accused Michael Lomas bail of R2 million.
Michael Lomas bail: What will be the outcome?
Lomas, a 77-year-old former businessman, faces 65 charges related to corruption involving Eskom’s Kusile Power Station project. His bail application follows a lengthy legal battle, including five unsuccessful attempts to block his extradition from the United Kingdom.
During his January bail hearing, prosecutors argued that Lomas is a flight risk, citing his past international travel patterns.
He was arrested in the UK in 2021 and granted bail but continued to resist extradition until his eventual return to South Africa in September 2024.
The state also questioned his claims of mental health concerns, with Lomas asserting that his attorneys were worried about his risk of suicide.
Prosecutors, however, pointed to his extensive travel history—including visits to Namibia, Australia, and several European countries—as evidence of deliberate evasion.
Lomas contends that his international movements were unrelated to the charges against him and insists that he returned to the UK to spend time with family, not to escape justice.
His legal team maintains that his advanced age and deteriorating health should justify his release on bail.
The Michael Lomas case: Here’s what you must know
Lomas is one of five accused in the high-profile Eskom Kusile Power Station fraud case, which involves allegations of corruption, fraud, and misappropriation of funds exceeding R1.4 billion.
The case revolves around irregular contracts awarded to Tubular Construction Projects (TCP), a company founded by his former associate, Antonio Trindade.
Lomas, a former CEO of construction giant Group 5, was later brought in as a consultant to TCP. His role allegedly involved securing inflated contracts for TCP through direct negotiations with Eskom officials, bypassing standard tender processes.
Key allegations include:
- Inflating a R709 million contract to R1.53 billion through fraudulent variation orders.
- Facilitating irregular payments to Eskom officials, including former executive Abram Masango and senior manager France Hlakudi.
- Moving large sums of money through international channels to avoid detection.
Despite his legal troubles, Lomas’s past reputation as a business leader remains notable. As CEO of Group 5, he oversaw massive infrastructure projects, including World Cup stadiums.
However, his association with TCP and the Eskom scandal marks a dramatic downfall from his previous standing.
His co-accused—Masango, Hlakudi, Trindade, and business owner Hudson Kgomoeswana—are also facing charges related to the case.
If Lomas is denied bail, he will remain in custody until his trial date is set. If granted bail, strict conditions will likely be imposed to prevent any further attempts to leave the country.
