Mpumalanga: At least six individuals are set to appear in court this week, linked to a fraud scheme at the Kusile Power Station.
According to South African Government News Agency, the six were arrested last week following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation and investigation by Eskom. The suspects include a former Kusile Procurement Officer and a Procurement Manager, who were allegedly involved in a fraudulent procurement scheme at the power station.
Eskom detailed that in 2018, a pump was unlawfully procured for R857,977, although an identical pump with the same serial number was purchased in 2015 for only R18,835. This fraudulent transaction resulted in a direct financial loss for the power utility.
Two additional suspects remain at large, with law enforcement actively pursuing them. These arrests are part of efforts by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to tackle fraud, corruption, and criminal activities within Esk
om, its supply chain, and South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
Eskom is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate such cases. The latest arrests are seen as a significant step towards accountability and justice in the ongoing investigations. Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, emphasized the company’s commitment to eliminating corruption, commending the integrity and dedication of the majority of Eskom’s employees while warning that wrongdoing will be met with investigation and action.
Eskom urges the public to report any fraud, theft, and illegal electricity sales via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.