A man found guilty of tampering with critical Eskom infrastructure at the Matla Power Station has been slapped with a 10-year jail sentence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, the power utility said the suspect was one of two accused of interfering with Eskom’s infrastructure.
The two suspects were arrested on 24 February 2022 after committing the crime in February that same year.
They were arrested on suspicion of stealing copper bars and installed copper at the Matla Power Station.
Eskom said police arrested the two suspects with the assistance of drone surveillance after attempting to evade arrest by fleeing the scene.
“Both men were granted bail, but the convicted suspect remained in custody since the day of the arrest until sentencing,” says Eskom.
“The other accused skipped bail and a warrant of arrest has been issued for him.”
Eskom commends its internal security investigations and the SAPS Detectives team for their assistance in nailing the suspect.
“We shall deal with all perpetrators without fear or favour and shall ensure all perpetrators face the full might of the law,” said Nomsa Spaumer, the Acting General Manager for Security at Eskom.
The power utility is urging the public to report information about illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft, vandalism, and other electricity-related crimes.
Eskom’s Crime Line is reachable on 0800 112 722, and reporting can be done anonymously.