Electricity theft in Gauteng is costing Eskom billions, and the crisis is escalating. The utility estimated that illegal connections and meter tampering in the province alone are draining nearly R7 billion a year, contributing to a nationwide loss of R23 billion.
Behind the staggering figures lies a web of criminal activity that threatens not just revenue, but the stability and safety of the entire power network.
This week, the issue hit closer to home when three farmers and an Eskom employee appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court for their bail applications.
One farmer was granted R20 000 bail, while the other three were each granted R10 000. All four are expected to return to court on March 31 for further proceedings.
Eskom Provincial Spokesperson Amanda Qithi said the employee is facing disciplinary action, as the company continues to tackle electricity theft and illegal connections across Gauteng.
“This employee has been subjected to our disciplinary processes and also when there is an alleged criminal conduct, we do institute parallel internal investigation while we allow the criminal justice system to take its course. Electricity theft and illegal connections, remain a significant challenge across Gauteng and the country as a whole. Eskom lost about, annually, about approximately R23 billion in revenue due to electricity theft and it’s in Gauteng alone, it contributes about R7 billion.”
This is not the first time Eskom has had to deal with employees or contractors tampering with electricity infrastructure.
On January 27, the Ermelo District Court sentenced a former contractor at Camden Power Station in Mpumalanga to 20 years in prison for deliberately sabotaging a turbine and stealing electricity, causing more than R22 million in damages and disrupting operations at the national key point.
Investigations found that Simeon Majaonke Shongwe, a 35-year-old, had intentionally removed a bearing oil drain plug, caused repeated turbine trips and preventing the mills from operating normally.
Eskom said the conviction sends a clear message.
“This sentence is a decisive warning, tampering with Eskom’s infrastructure and theft will be met with uncompromising justice,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.
He added that the utility has strengthened its investigative and security measures through the newly formed Group Investigations and Security Division.
Marokane also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their relentless commitment and effective collaboration in bringing offenders to justice and the support of the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za