By Karabo Marifi
Eskom has confirmed the arrest of four employees and a contractor security guard in connection with the theft of heavy fuel oil valued at R500,000 from Camden Power Station. The arrests took place in a coordinated operation that underscores Eskom’s commitment to combating internal corruption and safeguarding its critical infrastructure.
The investigation began during a routine quality inspection conducted by Eskom’s Security Investigation team. A suspicious truck attempting to leave Camden Power Station was intercepted, and upon inspection, it was discovered that despite the driver’s claim that over 30,000 kilograms of heavy fuel oil had been offloaded, the truck was still fully loaded with the fuel. The driver fled the scene, prompting a deeper investigation that eventually led to the arrests on 10 and 16 August 2024.
The suspects, who include two weighbridge operators and a control room operator, have been charged and are currently detained at Ermelo Police Station. Their case has been remanded to 27 August 2024 for a formal bail application.
Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, highlighted the ongoing efforts of Eskom’s internal security investigations team, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM) Safety and Security Priority Committee, in tackling such criminal activities. Sikhwitshi emphasized that while the majority of Eskom’s employees are dedicated to improving the utility’s performance, the organisation remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance approach to crime and corruption.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on crime at Eskom, which has long struggled with internal theft and corruption issues, costing the company billions of rands monthly. Over the past year, Eskom has intensified its efforts to curb these illegal activities, leveraging new technologies and systems to close gaps that allow for malfeasance.
Eskom is urging the public to report any unlawful activities related to the theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, or crimes targeting critical infrastructure. Reports can be made anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line or WhatsApp.
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