A former Eskom employee and a service provider at the power utility have appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga, to face charges of theft and fraud.

The two made separate appearances in the court and were released on bail of R30 000 each.

The power utility in a statement explained that an investigation had revealed that between January and April last year, the service provider had supplied five valve stems to the Hendrina Power Station.

According to Eskom, the valves ‘were stolen from the same power station warehouse, as a result of working with the Eskom employee’.

“An internal investigation revealed that the Eskom employee had misused company resources without authorisation for their own personal gain and also falsified documents as the end-user.”

The Eskom employee resigned while a disciplinary action was being instituted.

“Eskom suffered a financial loss of R667 500 because of this criminal activity,” it said.

Eskom acting general manager for security Botse Sikhwitshi vowed that the power utility will continue to root out criminality in its ranks.

“Eskom strongly condemns any fraudulent activity in its business operations and will not tolerate such behaviour. Our internal security investigations team will continue collaborating with the South African Police Service in ensuring that those who enrich themselves at Eskom’s expense are held accountable,” Sikhwitshi said.

The two are expected back in court on July 29. – SAnews.gov.za