Eskom counsel fired for ‘attack’

THE case presenter in the disciplinary hearing of suspended Eskom executive Matshela Koko has been fired by the power utility after an altercation with a journalist.

Sebetja Matsaung engaged in a heated exchange with Financial Mail deputy editor Sikonathi Mantshantsha on Friday evening after the hearing adjourned.

Eskom issued a statement on Saturday after a video of the altercation emerged.

The footage shows Matsaung being physically restrained from attacking Mantshantsha while shouting derogatory terms and expletives at the journalist.

Reporters at the scene on Friday could not clarify the initial comments that led to Matsaung’s outburst.

“Eskom condemns Matsaung’s behaviour in the strongest terms possible. We wish to convey our unreserved apologies that this unfortunate incident occurred‚” the statement read.

The hearing‚ which was due to continue today‚ has been postponed until a new evidence leader can be appointed, which Eskom said could take up to three days to finalise.

Koko is facing six charges in relation to his alleged failure to properly declare a conflict of interest after it emerged his stepdaughter‚ Koketso Choma‚ was a director and shareholder of a company that netted close to R1-billion in contracts from Eskom during her tenure at the firm.

He allegedly used his influence as head of generation to channel the contracts to the company‚ Impulse International. — DDC