Image of Transformer

Eskom employee arrested for alleged theft of transformer oil

Tuesday, 15 February 2022: An Eskom employee was arrested on Thursday, 10 February 2022 for allegedly stealing transformer oil and power safety solvent gel. The employee was caught by Eskom security personnel when trying to exit the utility premises in Rosherville, Johannesburg, with three full drums of transformer oil, an empty one, as well as six containers of 5 litre power safety solvent gel, for which he had no full removal permit. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was called and the suspect was apprehended and taken into custody. The suspect appeared in court on Monday, 14 February 2022 on a charge of theft.

The Eskom security personnel discovered the theft upon inspection of the removal permit as part of their access control, while the employee was attempting to leave the premises with the alleged stolen property. It was discovered that the permit only authorised the removal of two full drums of the oil and two empty ones, but it contained nothing about the gel. Eskom will also subject its employee to the internal disciplinary processes. “We are disappointed that one of our own is implicated in the alleged theft. Eskom remains committed to resource optimisation where we ensure that all material is channelled to its intended use. We will continue to heighten efforts to curb material loss and any criminal acts by anyone, including our employees”, says Kith Maitisa, Eskom SHEQS Manager in Gauteng.

Eskom is committed to working with law enforcement agencies to curb electricity-related criminal activities, including all forms of theft, even in cases where our employees are involved. “We continue to urge all those who may be aware of any form of criminal acts by Eskom employees or anyone else, to anonymously alert us by calling the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 “, concluded Maitisa.

ENDS

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