Police arrested a 37-year-old suspect in Winterveldt, Gauteng, yesterday for alleged illegal electricity connections and the theft of Eskom equipment.

According to Pretoria Rekord, the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation led by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Energy Safety and Security Workstream.

National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk says a multi-disciplinary team, including members from specialised units, Eskom investigators, and technicians, raided a location in Winterveldt, north of Pretoria.

Van Wyk says the suspect was found in possession of an Eskom transformer and other electrical equipment.

She adds he was arrested on charges of theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.

“Police seized a total of 28 Eskom transformers from the Winterveldt area, valued at approximately R1.7m. These illegally connected transformers were contributing to widespread power outages and disruptions, leading to revenue losses for Eskom,” says Van Wyk.

She adds that preliminary estimates suggest the illegal connections uncovered during the operation resulted in a R90m revenue loss for the struggling utility.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Rietgat Magistrate’s Court soon.

In a separate incident, the team dismantled and seized 13 more illegally connected Eskom transformers in Diepsloot and Erasmia.

Van Wyk says these illegal connections resulted in an estimated R19m revenue loss.

Police have urged community members to report any criminal activities targeting Eskom or other essential services.

Reports can be made anonymously via SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app, with all tip-offs treated confidentially.

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