An Eskom employee has been arrested after the power utility conducted intensive internal investigations, and with the support of the Hawks (DPCI), an employee from Tutuka Power Station.
The employee was arrested on Monday, October 17. It’s alleged that the employee removed 10 drums of hydraulic oil valued at R800 000 from the on-site stores facility.
Eskom said the arrested employee appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody for a bail application.
“We shall ensure that bail is denied, and that the employee faces the full might of the law,” said general manager for Eskom Group Security advocate Karen Pillay
While at the Matla Power Station on the same day, three cleaning contractors working on the site were arrested for stealing copper cables which they placed in a waste storage container.
Eskom says the suspects were under the watchful surveillance of the investigators who pounced on them when they attempted to remove the container from the area.
“We cannot have such individuals who choose to steal so brazenly, within the employ of Eskom. We shall work ardently to arrest such individuals including their accomplices and bring them to book,” said Pillay.
Pillay thanked the law-enforcement agencies and the National Prosecuting Authority for their support and for responding to the serious scourge of infrastructure crime that is affecting the already ailing power system.