Three Eskom Contractors Released on Bail Arrested for Diesel Theft

Upon questioning, the supervisor discovered that the operator and the two mechanics had siphoned diesel from the excavator into two 20-liter containers.

Three Eskom contractor employees have been released on bail following their arrest for stealing diesel at the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. The suspects—a machine operator and two mechanics—were apprehended on Tuesday after they were found in possession of approximately 40 liters of stolen diesel, valued at R1000.

The incident came to light when a supervisor at Eskom, conducting routine inspections, received a call from the excavator operator requesting to leave work early due to personal issues. The supervisor decided to investigate the situation and noticed an unfamiliar white vehicle parked near the operator. Two men, claiming to be mechanics, were also present.

Upon questioning, the supervisor discovered that the operator and the two mechanics had siphoned diesel from the excavator into two 20-liter containers. The suspects attempted to bribe the supervisor with R5,000 to overlook the theft, but the offer was declined.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Eskom Security were called to the scene. The three suspects were arrested and taken to Phola Police Station, where they were charged with theft and appeared in Phola Court on July 25, 2024. Each suspect was released on bail of R500, with the case scheduled to return to court on September 4, 2024.

Eskom's Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, condemned the criminal activity and praised the supervisor and security team for their vigilance. Sikhwitshi highlighted the ongoing efforts by Eskom’s internal security investigations team, working in collaboration with the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM’s) Safety and Security Priority Committee, to combat such crimes.

Eskom has urged the public to report any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, and theft of critical resources. Reports can be made anonymously via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or on WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.