State-owned power utility Eskom confirmed the arrest of nine people at the Kusile Power Station for coal theft and fraud on Friday.
These include eight weighbridge operators employed by Eskom Rote Industries (ERI) and a coal truck driver.
In a statement, Eskom said a thorough investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and an internal Eskom investigation supported by the Bidvest Protea Coin Investigation Team led to the arrest of the individuals after information was received that coal haulers would bypass Kusile Power Station without offloading the ordered coal.
“Investigations revealed that the weighbridge operators would process weighbridge transactions without the coal hauler having entered the power station to offload the coal.
“Kusile Power Station would, however, be invoiced for the coal ordered but not received.”
The suspects have been detained at the Phola Police Station. More arrests are to follow as the investigations continues.
It further said that the theft of coal was a highly organised criminal activity, and the syndicates involved were being enriched through the proceeds derived from the illicit trade of the stolen products, while Eskom continued to lose money due to the misappropriation and adulteration of these critical commodities.
“The arrest of these unscrupulous individuals is a significant step in our fight against crime in Eskom and the country, and we shall continue in our pursuit to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law”, said Bose Sikhwitshi, acting general manager for security at Eskom.
Sikhwitshi added that Eskom commended the SAPS and all those involved in apprehending the suspects.
“Eskom will continue to work with the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that the suspects are successfully prosecuted and that a stiff sanction is meted out, as a favourable outcome will serve to deter other would-be offenders,” added Sikhwitshi.
The public has been urged to report information regarding fraud, the theft of coal, fuel oil, and diesel and other crimes to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22.
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