Eskom employee and members of public busted for illegal operations
An Eskom employee and a former Eskom contractor employee arrested for colluding and installing a breaker in a mini-substation without authorisation.
Image for illustration purposes
South Africa, Soweto: An Eskom employee and a former Eskom contractor employee were arrested for allegedly colluding and illegally installing a breaker in a mini-substation without the necessary authorisation on 23 April in Soweto.
The two suspects were arrested by the SAPS after being caught in action by the Eskom security as part of the sting operation to root out unethical behaviour and irregular conduct in Eskom’s operations. The two were due to appear in court on 24 April.
“Our employee will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes. The growing number of Eskom employees who are involved in criminal activities is a major concern to us. Since the beginning of the year to date, we have recorded seven employees who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the theft and misuse of Eskom infrastructure. We are, however, pleased that our efforts to curb and root out wrongdoings that seek to undermine our efforts to deliver services and be efficient in our operations, are bearing fruit”, said Motlhabane Ramashi, the Senior Manager for Maintenance and Operations in Gauteng.
In a separate incident, a suspect was arrested in Mabopane, Tshwane for the alleged theft of a pole-mounted transformer and other material which was found at a house in the area. The successful arrest was made following tip-offs by members of the public.
“Eskom commends the members of the public for exposing criminality and the swift response by the SAPS in arresting all suspects. We urge all those who may be aware of any form of criminal acts by Eskom employees or anyone else, to anonymously alert us to ensure we provide continuous electricity supply during this lockdown period and beyond,“ Ramashi concluded.
Source: Eskom