State-owned power utility Eskom's collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee has resulted in a series of arrests, with the financial impact of these crimes totalling R1.09-million, of which R873 000 has been recovered and perpetrators caught or sentenced.

These arrests highlight the ongoing fight against internal and external criminal activities affecting Eskom's operations, it says.

On February 20, an Eskom supplier and his brother were arrested for the theft of 16 dome valves, valued at R173 000, from Tutuka power station. The arrests followed extensive internal and external investigations dating back to 2023.

The stolen valves were identified by Eskom's store personnel when they were being delivered by the supplier after his appointment. A Section 205 investigation was conducted, confirming links between internal employees and the contractor.

The modus operandi involved collusion between Eskom employees in procurement and stores departments and external parties to facilitate the theft and resale of the stolen valves. More arrests are expected as investigations point to the involvement of multiple role-players.

The two suspects were detained at Standerton Police Station and appeared in court on February 24 and 27, where they were each granted bail of R10 000, the utility says.

Further, on 31 January, an Eskom employee and a contracted security officer were arrested for diesel theft at Kriel power station. Eskom’s Group Security and Investigation team apprehended the suspects after observing suspicious activity.

A contracted tanker was seen leaving the premises without passing through the weighbridge, raising suspicion that it was empty. The team tracked the tanker to a location near the Kinross T-Junction, known as Wholesale Diesel, where another tanker was parked alongside it.

Upon arrival, the investigating team observed individuals attempting to transfer diesel from the contracted tanker to the second truck using a generator and pipes. The suspects fled the scene upon noticing the approaching vehicles, leaving behind crucial evidence, including a generator connected to the second truck and a weighbridge slip in the truck cabin.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of both fuel trucks, which are now part of the inquiry, and the arrest of an Eskom weighbridge operator and the contracted security officer for theft of diesel worth more than R700 000.

Meanwhile, on November 21, 2024, the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court granted R50 000 bail to a former Eskom employee accused of corruption at Arnot power station. The case has been remanded to March 12 for trial at the Middleburg Regional Court.

While employed at Arnot power station, the former employee allegedly extorted R220 000 (R150 000 and R70 000) from two individuals by falsely promising them a tender to supply toilets, stationery, uniforms and baton sticks.

The former employee was formally charged by the South African Police Services (Saps) Organised Crime – Eskom Deployment Investigation Team on November 4, 2024, and was dismissed following an internal disciplinary process.

Further, on February 26, this year, a suspect was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment without the option of a fine after being convicted of theft of critical infrastructure at Matimba power station.

The suspect was arrested on June 19, 2024, by the power station’s security team for stealing ash conveyor belts. He was remanded in custody until his trial after his bail application was opposed several times.

There have not been incidents of theft on the conveyor belts since this arrest and conviction, Eskom said.

“Eskom is committed to eradicating crime and corruption. While most of our employees are honest and dedicated, a small minority engages in criminal activities and must be identified and dealt with decisively. Eskom remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating criminal activities within its operations,” the utility states.

To strengthen governance and combat corruption, the utility has restructured its forensic, security and investigative functions under the newly established Group Investigations and Security Division, which now reports directly to the Eskom Group CE Dan Marokane.

Through collaboration with the Natjoints Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee, Eskom ensures that crime and corruption incidents are swiftly and effectively addressed, safeguarding its assets and maintaining stakeholder trust, it says.

The conviction in the Matimba power station case sends a strong message that acts of crime targeting critical infrastructure will not be tolerated, Eskom adds.

“Eskom urges the public to report any information related to criminal activities, including the illegal sale of electricity, fraud, and theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel and critical infrastructure. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.”