By Thys Khiba
Johannesburg – Seven suspects have been arrested by the Hawks in connection with a crime ring responsible for prepaid electricity fraud.
“Their arrests were effected during the first phase of the project driven investigation carried out by the Free State Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in concert with Eskom Investigators, Hawks Digital Forensic Investigation (DFI), Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP) as well as Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC),” said Hawks Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Philani Nkwalase.
The arrested seven suspects are accused of selling illegal electricity to prepaid customers. According to Nkwalase, the illegal practice of selling prepaid electricity results in multi-million rand losses to Eskom per annum.
“The syndicates reportedly operate, nationally, and generate income of approximately R150,000 to R250,000 per day from illicit sale of electricity. They are highly organised, well-equipped, closely networked, and are difficult to track,” said Nkwalase.
These arrests come at a time when the country has been plunged into load shedding due to the bleak power station. Nkwalase confirmed the loss of revenue by Eskom and increase in non-technical losses contributes significantly to the electricity woes of the country.
During the arrest, several cell phones, laptops, sim cards, total cash amount of R714 800, seven luxury vehicles, electricity pre-paid vouchers and transaction records were seized for further investigation.
“…one of the suspects allegedly enticed the arresting officers with R100 000 gratification and was additionally charged with corruption,” said Nkwalase.
Nkwalase confirmed that other suspects were allegedly found in possession of illegal firearms as well as ammunition and were additionally charged accordingly.
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 083 398 9119