ESKOM continues to crack down on theft and fraud in its business.
On Thursday, 7 September, nine people were arrested at the Kusile power station in Balmoral near Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. .
According to the state-owned company, those arrested are eight weighbridge operators employed by Eskom Rotek Industries (ERI) and a coal truck driver.
Eskom spokeswoman Daphne Mokwena said a thorough investigation by police, and an internal Eskom investigation assisted by the Bidvest Protea Coin Investigation Team, led to the arrest of the individuals after information was received that coal transporters were bypassing the Kusile power station without unloading the ordered coal.
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https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/president-cyril-ramaphosa-says-deputy-president-paul-mashatiles-lifestyle-will-be-audited-20230905She said investigations revealed that weighbridge operators were handling weighbridge transactions without the coal transporter entering the power plant to unload the coal.
"Kusile power station would, however, be invoiced for the coal ordered but not received," she said.
Mokwena said the suspects will be charged and brought before the court.
She said that more arrests are to follow as the investigations continue.
"The theft of coal is a highly organised criminal activity, and the syndicates involved are being enriched through the proceeds derived from the illicit trade of the stolen products. Eskom continues to lose money due to the misappropriation and adulteration of these critical commodities," said Mokwena.
Eskom acting general manager for security Botse Sikhwitshi commended the police and all those involved in apprehending the suspects.
"The arrest of these unscrupulous individuals is a significant step in our fight against crime in Eskom and the country, and we shall continue in our pursuit to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law," said Sikhwitshi.
He said that Eskom will continue to work with the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure that the suspects are successfully prosecuted, and that a stiff sanction is meted out as a favorable outcome will serve to deter other would-be offenders.
"Eskom has also urged the public to report information regarding fraud, and the theft of coal, fuel oil, and diesel and other crimes to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22," said Sikhwitshi.
