Three Eskom contractor employees arrested for alleged theft of diesel
The supervisor grew suspicsious and visited the Ash Dam and noticed an unfamiliar white vehicle parked nearby with two men in the vicinity.
Three Eskom contractor employees, including an excavator operator and two mechanics, were apprehended on 23 July, for allegedly stealing diesel valued at R1 000.
The arrest took place around noon at the Kusile Power Station.
The incident unfolded when an Eskom supervisor, during a routine inspection, received a call from the excavator operator requesting early leave due to personal issues.
Deciding to investigate, the supervisor visited the Ash Dam and noticed an unfamiliar white vehicle parked nearby with two men in the vicinity.
The men identified themselves as mechanics and claimed they were there to address a breakdown on the machine.
Upon further questioning, it was discovered that the excavator operator and the two mechanics had siphoned diesel from the excavator.
The suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the supervisor with R5 000 to overlook the crime, but the supervisor declined.
Approximately 40 litres of diesel had been siphoned into two 20-litre containers.
Eskom Security and the South African Police Service were alerted, leading to the arrest of the three suspects, who were detained at the Phola Police Station.
They appeared in court on July 25 and were granted bail of R500 each. The case has been postponed to September 4.
Eskom’s acting general manager for security, Botse Sikhwitshi, stated, “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.”
According to him, their internal security investigations team will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, supported by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM’s) Safety and Security Priority Committee.
“We are seeing positive results with increased arrests and convictions.”
Eskom urges the public to report any unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and other critical infrastructure crimes.
Reports can be made anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or on WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
