ESKOM BOSS IN EXTORTION DRAMA
ESKOM group chief executive Brian Molefe allegedly called the Hawks for his domestic worker and her relative after a squabble which has since turned into an extortion case.
This comes after the power utility boss was allegedly accused by his domestic worker, Rebecca Masechaba, and her relative Tshepo Mokale, of not taking care of her after she was injured while working for him.
In an affidavit deposed at the Midrand police station with the help of the Hawks, Molefe claims that Mokale demanded R250 000 as some form of compensation for Masechaba.
Masechaba began working for Molefe as a domestic helper in 2010.
She was injured in 2014 and returned to work in October this year.
Sunday Worlds understands that upon Masechaba’s return to work, Molefe terminated her employment claiming that she was no longer fit to work due to her injury. Molefe said he received a Whatsapp message from Mokale on October 4 stating that he (Molefe) was ignoring him. We are also made to believe that Mokale contacted Molefe’s wife who then informed her husband that a stranger had called the house threatening that she may have to be dragged into the matter that they wished to discuss with him.
Molefe revealed that after the conversation with his wife she would not talk to me for the rest of the day”.
Molefe said he consulted with his head of security Tebogo Rakau at Eskom about the threats and he was advised to arrange a sting operation on Mokale if he demanded money from him.
On Wednesday October 5, I had a meeting with General Rakau and Lieutenant-Colonel Motlhamme who was accompanied by Captain Modiba.
It was decided at this meeting that a trap should be set for Mr Mokale … if he demands money after which he will be arrested,” Molefe said.
He further revealed that he met with Mokale and Masechaba and another gentleman at a Shell garage in Noordwyk, Midrand, on Friday.
Molefe said: Mokale explained that he was unhappy that Rebecca had been working for me and that now she is unemployed and she has nothing to show for having worked for me.
I explained that Rebecca had admitted to stealing money from my house and that even though she claimed that she put the money back, the trust between me and her was broken.”
Molefe said he offered to pay Masechaba R20 000 as a settlement for the termination of her employment.
However, he said, Mokale indicated that they require R250 000 but were prepared to reduce it by R20 000 to R230 000.”
He said after the threats, he agreed to pay Mokale, Mashabela and their partner Moses Ranala in instalments.
They demanded R100 000 as first payment and I offered to pay R20 000 the following day and a further R80 000 the following Tuesday, Molefe revealed.
Masechaba and Mokale were arrested on Friday last week. They were taken to the Midrand police holding cells where they spent the weekend.
They appeared at the local magistrate s court on Monday and their case was postponed to Thursday for bail application.
They are due to appear again tomorrow on bail application.
Molefe could not be reached for comment.
Midrand police spokesperson Matome Tlamela confirmed the case, but referred us to the Hawks.
Sergeant Abrahams from the Hawks, who was present during the arrests, confirmed the case but refused to comment further.