Eskom Contractors Released On Bail Amid Diesel Theft Charges

Three Eskom contractor employees have been released on bail after being found in possession of stolen diesel at the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The suspects, identified as an excavator operator and two mechanics, were apprehended on Tuesday for the theft of diesel valued at R1,000.

According to Eskom, a supervisor conducting routine inspections at the power utility received a phone call from the excavator operator, who requested to leave work early due to personal problems.

The supervisor decided to meet the operator at the ash dam, where he noticed an unknown white vehicle and two men nearby. Upon questioning, the men claimed to be mechanics fixing a breakdown. Further investigation revealed that they had drained diesel from the excavator into two 20-litre containers.

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The suspects attempted to bribe the supervisor with R5,000 to avoid reporting the crime, but he refused and alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Eskom security. The three were arrested, charged with theft of diesel, and detained.

They appeared in the Phola Court on July 25, 2024, and were released on bail of R500 each. The case has been postponed to September 4, 2024.

Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, condemned the criminal activity and praised the vigilance of the supervisor and security team.

He emphasized that Eskom will not tolerate such behaviour and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Eskom’s internal security investigations team and law enforcement agencies. In the first quarter of FY24/25, there has been an increase in arrests and convictions related to various unlawful activities, including the theft of diesel.

Eskom urges the public to report any information related to illegal activities, including the theft of diesel, through the Eskom crime line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.