3 employees of companies contracted by Eskom were arrested for stealing diesel at Kusile Power Station on Tuesday this week.
The three, an Excavator Operator and two mechanics, were arrested for the theft of diesel to the value of a thousand Rands.
Botse Sikhwitshi, Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, said “Eskom strongly condemns any criminal activity within its operations and will not tolerate
such behaviour. We commend the Supervisor and the security team for their vigilance. Our internal security investigations team will continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies, coordinated and led by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM’s) Safety and Security Priority Committee, which plays a crucial role in supporting Eskom’s efforts to combat criminal activities. In the first quarter of FY24/25 (April 1 to June 30, 2024), we have made positive strides with an increase in arrests and convictions.”
In a statement, Eskom detailed the events leading to the arrest.
A supervisor who was conducting routine visits and inspections, received a phone call from the Excavator Operator requesting permission to leave work early due to personal problems. The Supervisor decided to pass by the Ash Dam and meet with the Operator, when he noticed an unknown white motor vehicle parked next to the Operator with two unknown male persons in the vicinity. While being questioned, the two men informed the Supervisor that they were mechanics and were there to fix the breakdown on the machine.
Upon further questioning, it was established that the Excavator Operator and the two mechanics had drained diesel from the Excavator. The suspects tried to offer the Supervisor a bribe of R5 000.00 if he did not report the crime, which he refused.
It was discovered that approximately 40 litres of diesel were drained into two (2) x 20 litre containers.
The three suspects were arrested for theft of diesel and detained at the Phola Police Station and appeared in the Phola Court on 25 July 2024. All three accused were released on bail of R500.00 each. The case was postponed to the 4th September 2024.