Three individuals, including a coal truck driver and two weighbridge clerks, were recently apprehended for their suspected involvement in a coal theft and fraud syndicate.
Eskom workers linked to syndicate arrested for coal theft
The three individuals were apprehended and subsequently charged with fraud and coal theft.
They were arrested on Thursday and appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court, where each was granted bail of R2,000.
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Coal theft has been an ongoing challenge for Eskom, prompting heightened vigilance and action from the power utility.
Earlier this month, nine individuals were arrested in connection with coal theft at the Kusile power station. Eskom has voiced its suspicion that highly organised syndicates are involved in these illegal activities.
Authorities initiated this latest investigation following a tip-off received in late August 2023. The information indicated that a truck, initially loaded with 34,900kg of coal from the New Clydesdale Colliery, was destined for delivery at the Majuba power station.
However, the truck diverted from its intended route and unloaded the coal at an illegal coal yard situated near the R35 Middelburg Bethal Road.
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A joint team comprising members from the Middelburg Organized Crime Unit and Eskom Security carried out the investigation into this alleged coal theft operation.
Suspicion centred on a truck located near the coal yard, which was believed to have received the stolen coal.
The driver of the truck reportedly presented a weighbridge ticket as evidence of the coal’s delivery to Majuba. However, investigators determined that the truck had never entered the Majuba facility, and the weighbridge ticket was found to be fraudulent.
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court on 6 October 2023. Eskom has indicated that further arrests may follow as investigations progress.
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Eskom has emphasised its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for coal theft.
Botse Sikhwitshi, acting general manager for security at Eskom, stated that these arrests demonstrate Eskom’s resolve to combat such illegal activities.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat coal theft, which has significant implications for Eskom’s operations and the country’s energy supply.