Contractor Employee Arrested for Copper Cable Theft at Eskom’s Matla Power Station

In a significant security incident at Eskom’s Matla Power Station, a contractor’s employee was arrested on Sunday, 23 June 2024, at approximately 07:17. The individual has been charged with theft and unlawful possession of a copper cable, valued at an estimated R4,000.

The arrest was made by diligent Security Officers during routine search duties. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and the incident was reported to the Kriel Police Station, where it is being handled under case number CAS: 91/06/2024.

“We commend the security teams from Matla Power Station for their vigilance. The arrest of the suspect aligns with Eskom’s zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities. Furthermore, the collaboration with law enforcement is also bearing fruit. Eskom has also recorded a 5% decrease in crime incidents across the company in the 2023/24 financial year compared to the 2022/23 financial year,” stated Botse Sikhwitshi, Acting General Manager for Security at Eskom.

Eskom continues to encourage members of the public to report any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and copper cables. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

This arrest highlights Eskom’s ongoing efforts to combat theft and other illegal activities that threaten the stability and reliability of South Africa’s power supply.