Eskom Arrests Five in Heavy Fuel Oil Theft at Camden Power Station

The operation began when Eskom’s Security Investigation team conducted a routine inspection of coal deliveries at Camden Power Station.

Eskom has announced the arrest of four employees and a contractor security guard in connection with the theft of heavy fuel oil valued at R500,000 from Camden Power Station. The arrests occurred on Friday, August 10, 2024, at midnight, following a detailed investigation into the theft.

The operation began when Eskom’s Security Investigation team conducted a routine inspection of coal deliveries at Camden Power Station. During the inspection, a suspicious truck was intercepted as it attempted to leave the station. The driver provided a weighbridge slip indicating that 30,610 kilograms of heavy fuel oil had been offloaded, but an inspection revealed that the truck was still fully loaded. The driver fled the scene, prompting further investigation.

The investigation led to the arrest of two Eskom weighbridge operators on charges of colluding to steal fuel oil and defraud the company. On August 16, 2024, two additional Eskom employees—a weighbridge operator and a control room operator—and a contractor security guard were also arrested.

All five individuals are currently detained at Ermelo Police Station, with their case scheduled for a formal bail application on August 27, 2024.

Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, emphasized the organization’s commitment to protecting its infrastructure. She highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Eskom’s internal security team and law enforcement agencies, coordinated by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM) Safety and Security Priority Committee. Sikhwitshi stated that the arrests underscore Eskom’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime and corruption within the organization.

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