Tuesday, 04 March 2025: Eskom, in collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee, continues to combat corruption and theft within its operations. The ongoing efforts have resulted in a series of arrests, with the financial impact of these crimes totalling R1.09 million. To date, R873,000 has been recovered and sentencing has been executed. These arrests highlight the ongoing fight against internal and external criminal activities affecting Eskom’s operations.
Among the individuals apprehended are an Eskom supplier and his brother for the theft of 16 dome valves, an Eskom employee and a contractor Security Officer linked to diesel theft, and a weighbridge operator involved in fraudulent fuel transactions. Additionally, an Eskom employee facing corruption charges who has been granted bail.
Eskom supplier and brother arrested for theft of dome valves at Tutuka Power Station
An Eskom supplier and his brother in eMalahleni and Middelburg were arrested on Thursday, 20 February 2025, for the theft of 16 dome valves valued at R173 000 from Tutuka Power Station. The arrests follow extensive internal and external investigations dating back to 2023.
The stolen valves were identified by our 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, including Eskom employees. The two suspects were detained at Standerton Police Station and appeared in court on February 24 and 27, 2025, where they were each granted bail of R10,000.
Arrest of Eskom employee and contracted Security Officer for diesel theft at Kriel Power Station
In a separate incident, an Eskom employee and a contracted Security Officer were arrested for diesel theft at Kriel Power Station in Mpumalanga.
On Friday, 31 January 2025, at approximately 23:52, 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 the Eskom Weighbridge Operator, and the contracted Security Officer charged for theft of diesel worth over R700 000.
Eskom employee accused of corruption at Arnot Power Station granted bail
On Thursday, 21 November 2024, the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court granted a R50 000 bail to Ms. Nonhlanhla Nhlabathi, an Eskom employee accused of corruption at Arnot Power Station in Mpumalanga. Her case has been remanded to 12 March 2025 for trial at the Middleburg Regional Court.
While employed at Arnot Power Station, Nhlabathi allegedly extorted R220 000 (R150 000 and R70 000) from two individuals, falsely promising them a tender to supply toilets, stationery, uniforms, and baton sticks. Nhlabathi was formally charged by the South African Police Services (SAPS) Organised Crime – Eskom Deployment Investigation Team on 4 November 2024 and has since been dismissed following an internal disciplinary process.
Five years of direct imprisonment for theft of critical infrastructure
On 26 February 2025, 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 19 June 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’s commitment 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. To strengthen governance and combat corruption, it 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 Chief Executive, Mr 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. The conviction in the Matimba Power Station case sends a strong message that acts of crime targeting critical infrastructure will not be tolerated.
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.
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