Eskom tightens grip on corruption and theft

Eskom has said that its partnership with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) to fight internal and external criminal activities has resulted in a series of arrests and sentences for crimes totalling R1.09 million.

The power utility said R873,000 of the R1.09 million had been recovered so far.

The most recent arrest was on 20 February, when an Eskom supplier and his brother were detained for stealing 16 dome valves worth R173,000 from Tutuka Power Station.

Eskom said the arrest came after an extensive investigation that dates back to 2023 and confirms links between internal employees and the contractor, with further arrests expected to be made.

The suspects appeared in court on 24 and 27 February and were each granted R10,000 bail.

At around the same time, on 26 February, a suspect arrested for the theft of critical infrastructure at Matimba Power Station in June last year for stealing ash conveyor belts was sentenced to five years in prison without the option of a fine.

Eskom said that there have been no incidents of stolen ash conveyor belts since the individual’s arrest.

A few weeks earlier, just before midnight on 31 January, an Eskom employee and contracted security officer were arrested for stealing diesel at Kriel Power Station in Mpumalanga.

After Eskom’s group security and investigations team noticed a contracted tanker leaving the power station’s premises without passing through the weighbridge, the team tracked the vehicle, suspecting it was empty.

However, it eventually stopped next to another tanker at a location known as Wholesale Diesel, where the drivers of the two trucks attempted to transfer the fuel from one to the other using pipes and a generator.

Eskom said that the two fled the scene when they noticed vehicles approaching.

An investigation led to the security officer being charged for the theft of diesel worth over R700,000 and the weighbridge operation being arrested.

Another case of internal corruption resulted in the arrest of Nonhlanhla Nhlabathi, who was found to have extorted R220,000 from two individuals while employed at Arnot power station.

The individuals were falsely promised tender to supply toilets, stationery, uniforms, and baton sticks.

The South African Police Force formally charged Nhlabathi on 4 November and granted R50,000 bail 17 days later.

Eskom has also partnered with Natjoints to curb violent crimes targeting its employees.

The state utility said it had noticed an uptick in these crimes since October last year, which poses a significant risk to its employees and service delivery operations.

“Criminals are employing extreme violence, using firearms, hijacking company and personal vehicles, coercing employees into transferring cash, and even restraining them,” Eskom said.

“These threats place Eskom personnel at severe risk of injury or loss of life while carrying out essential duties.”

Eskom pointed out that the attacks go beyond safety concerns for its employees as they contribute to the destruction of public infrastructure, disrupt power supply, and result in financial losses.

It noted that these attacks have resulted in financial losses of R2.6 million so far, although Natjoints has assisted in recovering R388,573 in assets.

Eskom said that if these attacks continue, it may be forced to withdraw services from these areas.

“Should the situation persist, Eskom may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas,” it said.

“This would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses. The safety of Eskom employees is non-negotiable.”

The power utility urged communities to collaborate with it and law enforcement by reporting any information to local authorities, the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722, or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.