- Former contractor sentenced to 20 years effective imprisonment for infrastructure tampering and theft.
- Damage exceeded R22 million and disrupted generation at a national key power facility.
Eskom has welcomed the sentence handed down by the Ermelo District Court against Mr Simeon Majaonke Shongwe, a former employee of contractor Howden, following his conviction for tampering with essential infrastructure and theft at Camden Power Station in Mpumalanga.
The sentencing took place on Monday, 26 January 2026. Shongwe received 20 years imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and a further 15 years for theft, with the sentences running concurrently. He will serve an effective prison term of 20 years.
The crimes were committed in November 2022 at Camden Power Station, a designated National Key Point. Eskom said the incident caused damages exceeding R22 million and led to serious operational disruptions at the coal fired power station.
Eskom described the conviction as a significant milestone in its efforts to combat criminal activity targeting the country’s electricity infrastructure. The utility said acts of sabotage and theft pose a direct threat to security of supply and economic stability, and will continue to be met with firm legal consequences.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the sentence sends a strong message to both employees and contractors.
“This outcome is a decisive warning that tampering with Eskom infrastructure and theft will be met with uncompromising justice. Eskom is strengthening its governance and investigative capabilities to ensure that anyone who threatens the electricity supply faces swift and severe consequences. Working closely with the South African Police Service and national security structures remains central to protecting our power stations and securing the country’s energy future,” Marokane said.
As part of these efforts, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security and investigative functions into a new Group Investigations and Security Division reporting directly to the Group Chief Executive. The utility also continues to work with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to accelerate action against fraud, corruption and infrastructure related crime.
Eskom commended the South African Police Service for its role in the investigation and prosecution, as well as the ongoing support provided by national security partners.
According to court evidence, Shongwe was arrested in November 2022 after investigators linked him to deliberate sabotage at Camden Power Station. Investigations found that he intentionally removed a bearing oil drain plug from a turbine used in electricity generation. This caused repeated tripping of oil burners, drained critical lubrication oil and resulted in severe damage to turbine components. As a result, Unit 4 at the station tripped after losing all associated mills. Evidence and a confession confirmed that the removal of the plug was intended to cause the failure.
Eskom said the case highlights the importance of vigilance, strong governance and collaboration across the energy value chain to safeguard critical generation assets.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
