Three Eskom contractor employees have been released on bail after they were found in possession of stolen diesel at the power utility’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga.
The excavator operator and two mechanics were arrested on Tuesday for the theft of diesel to the value of R1,000.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom said a supervisor at the power utility, who was conducting routine visits and inspections, received a phone call from the excavator operator requesting permission to leave work early due to personal problems.
The supervisor decided to pass by the Ash Dam and meet with the operator. That was when he noticed an unknown white motor vehicle parked next to the operator. There were two unknown male persons in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Caught in the act
While being questioned, the two men informed the supervisor that they were mechanics. They were there to fix the breakdown on the machine, they said.
Upon further questioning, it was established that the operator and the two mechanics had drained diesel from the excavator. The suspects tried to offer the supervisor a bribe of R5 000 if he did not report the crime, which he refused.
It was discovered that approximately 40 litres of diesel were drained into two 20 litre containers.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Eskom Security were summoned. [Police arrested] the three suspects for theft of diesel and detained them at the Phola Police Station. They were charged and appeared in the Phola court on 25 July 2024. All three accused were released on bail of R500 each.”
Case postponed to September 4
The case has been remanded to September 4 2024.
“Eskom strongly condemns any criminal activity within its operations. And we will not tolerate such behaviour,” said Botse Sikhwitshi. He is Eskom’s acting general manager for security.
Increase in arrests and convictions
Sikhwitshi commended the supervisor and security team for their vigilance.
“Our internal security investigations team will continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies. The team is coordinated and led by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s Safety and Security Priority Committee. It plays a crucial role in supporting Eskom’s efforts to combat criminal activities. In the first quarter of FY24/25 (April 1 to June 30, 2024), we have made positive strides. We’ve had an increase in arrests and convictions,” explained Sikhwitshi.
The power utility has encouraged the public to report any information related to unlawful activities. These include illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and critical and essential infrastructure crimes. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22. Or via the WhatsApp number at 081 333 3323.
- SAnews.gov.za
