An Eskom employee and a service provider appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court, the one on July 1 and the other on July 5, facing charges of theft and fraud at the Hendrina Power Station amounting to R667 500.

Both individuals were granted bail set at R30 000 each.

Between January and April 2023, the service provider allegedly supplied five valve stems to Hendrina Power Station, which had been stolen from the station’s warehouse, allegedly in collusion with the Eskom employee.

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An internal investigation revealed that the Eskom employee had allegedly misused company resources for personal gain and falsified documents. The employee resigned amid disciplinary proceedings.

The South African Police Service’s investigation team, assigned to Eskom-related crimes, charged the suspects under case numbers CAS 40/05/2023 and CAS 62/10/2023.

Their next court appearance is scheduled at the Middleburg Regional Court on 29 July.

“Eskom strongly condemns any fraudulent activity in its business operations and will not tolerate such behaviour,” Botse Sikhwitshi, acting general manager for security at Eskom, said.

He emphasised the company’s commitment to accountability, highlighting the continued collaboration with the SAPS to combat crime within Eskom.

Eskom urges the public to report unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud and theft of coal, fuel, oil, diesel and copper cables. Reports can be made anonymously through the

Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 or on WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.