Three contractor employees of State-owned power utility Eskom were arrested for the theft of diesel to the value of R1 000 at the Kusile power station, in Mpumalanga, on July 23.

The two mechanics and an excavator operator were discovered by an Eskom supervisor. While conducting routine visits and inspections, the supervisor received a phone call from the excavator operator requesting permission to leave work early owing to personal problems.

The supervisor decided to pass by the ash dam and meet with the operator when he noticed an unknown motor vehicle parked next to the operator with two unknown men in the vicinity.

When questioned, the two men informed the supervisor that they were mechanics and were there to fix the breakdown on the machine.

Further questioning established that the excavator operator and the two mechanics had drained diesel from the excavator. About 40 ℓ of diesel had been drained into two 20 ℓ containers.

The suspects tried to offer the supervisor a bribe of R5 000 if he did not report the crime, which he refused.

The South African Police Service and Eskom Security were called and the three suspects were arrested for theft of diesel.

They were detained at the Phola Police Station, charged and appeared in the Phola Court on July 25.

All three accused were released on bail of R500 each. The case has been remanded to September 4.

“Eskom strongly condemns any criminal activity within its operations and will not tolerate such behaviour. We commend the supervisor and the security team for their vigilance,” says Eskom Security acting GM Botse Sikhwitshi.

“Our internal security investigations team will continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies, coordinated and led by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s Safety and Security Priority Committee, which plays a crucial role in supporting Eskom’s efforts to combat criminal activities,” she adds.

Thus far during the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year from April 1 to June 30, Eskom has made positive strides with an increase in arrests and convictions, she notes.

“Eskom encourages members of the public to report any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales; fraud; the theft of coal, fuel oil or diesel; and critical and essential infrastructure crimes.”

Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via its WhatsApp number at 081 333 3323.