A collaborative operation involving State-owned Eskom’s Gauteng Distribution Security, the South African Police Service (SAPS), City Power and Eskom-contracted security personnel uncovered a large-scale illegal electricity operation during a raid at three houses located on a farm, which was heavily guarded, in Leeupoort, near Fochville, Gauteng.

In a December 4 media release, Eskom says intelligence investigations uncovered that stolen electrical equipment was being used to supply electricity illegally to nearby informal settlements in exchange for payment.

The utility notes that over 600 informal households were illegally connected to electricity provided by the farmer. This operation has led to an estimated financial loss of more than R6.6-million for Eskom.

During the raid, authorities recovered critical infrastructure, including two transformers – 2 x 100kVA and 1 x 50kVA – and 150 m boxes belonging to City Power and Eskom.

The farm owner, suspected of orchestrating the illegal activities, has been arrested and is in custody at Fochville Police Station.

The suspect was charged with tampering with essential infrastructure and malicious damage to property, including illegal redistribution and resale of electricity. The suspect remains in custody following his appearance in court on December 4 and will appear again on December 11 for his bail application hearing.

Eskom says it has been investigating the case since 2018, with the property being disconnected multiple times. It notes, however, that the farmer repeatedly reconnected the power supply. The affected area has again been disconnected.

“Tampering with or damaging critical infrastructure is a criminal offense under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, with penalties of up to 30 years’ imprisonment. Such activities disrupt essential services, pose serious safety risks, and undermine the sustainability of the electricity network,” says Eskom.

DANGEROUS OPERATION

Eskom says this case highlights the dangers and challenges that it faces in tackling illegal electricity use and underlines the importance of joint efforts to combat electricity theft and ensure accountability.

The utility adds that illegal connections jeopardise public safety, damage infrastructure and undermine the trust of stakeholders.

“Eskom remains focused on recovering financial losses caused by illegal activities and will utilise all legal avenues, including asset seizures from convicted individuals. Eskom’s Group Investigation and Security team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity to protect critical assets.”

The organisation continues to collaborate with the National Energy Crisis Committee Safety and Security Priority Committee to combat these crimes.

The public is encouraged to report illegal electricity connections or activities anonymously by contacting the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22, sending a WhatsApp message to 081 333 3323 or notifying local municipalities.