- South Africa’s state owned energy utility is fighting back.
- After intensive internal investigations, and with the support of the Hawks (DPCI), an employee from Tutuka Power Station was arrested on 17 October for the removal of ten (10) drums of hydraulic oil from the on-site stores facility.
- The stolen drums of hydraulic oil are valued at more than R 800 000.00.
- In a separate incident, three cleaning contractors working at Matla Power Station were arrested for stealing copper cables which they placed in a waste storage container.
The arrested employee appeared in the Standerton Magistrate Court and was remanded in custody for a bail application. “We shall ensure that bail is denied, and that the employee faces the full might of the law,” said Advocate Karen Pillay, General Manager for Eskom Group Security.
In a separate incident at the Matla Power Station on Monday 17 October, three (3) cleaning contractors working on the site were arrested for stealing copper cables which they placed in a waste storage container. The suspects were under the watchful surveillance of the investigators who pounced on them when they attempted to remove the container from the area.
“We cannot have such individuals who choose to steal so brazenly, within the employ of Eskom. We shall work ardently to arrest such individuals including their accomplices and bring them to book,” asserted Advocate Pillay.
Advocate Pillay further thanked the law enforcement agencies and the National Prosecuting Authority for their support and for responding to the serious scourge of infrastructure crime, that is affecting the already ailing power system.
Eskom urges the public to partner in protecting the electricity infrastructure and to report crime incidents and information immediately to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
