State-owned Eskom reports that two employees have been arrested in relation to alleged fuel theft.

The utility notes that, on April 6, the South African Police Services’ (SAPS’s) Illicit Mining and Economic Infrastructure Task Team was observing various fuel trucks in the vicinity of the Kendal power station, when they noticed a fuel tanker approaching from the power station.

The truck was stopped and inspected, close to a petrol station, in Ogies. On inspection it was established that the tanker contained a full load of heavy fuel oil (HFO).

During questioning, the driver presented a weighbridge slip confirming delivery of the fuel. The driver was instructed to proceed back to the power station, where arrangements were made to have the tanker reweighed.

It was then established that only 1 680 kg of fuel was offloaded instead of the full consignment. Eskom says it suffered a loss of about R300 000 as a result of this incident.

The driver was arrested by the SAPS and a criminal case of fraud and theft was opened at the Ogies police station. The truck driver has since been released on R2 000 bail after making an appearance in the Ogies Magistrate’s Court on April 18.

Also on April 18, two Eskom plant operators from the Kendal power station linked to the matter were also arrested and are expected to apply for bail on April 24.

“The theft of HFO is a highly organised criminal activity and syndicates involved are being enriched through the proceeds derived from the illicit trade of the stolen products. Eskom continues to lose billions of rands due to the misappropriation and adulteration of these critical commodities, which directly affects production,” the entity states.

Eskom says it will provide the required support to the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure the suspects are successfully prosecuted and that a stiff sanction is meted out as a favourable outcome will serve to deter other would-be offenders.

Eskom has also urged the public to report information regarding theft of coal, fuel oil and diesel to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22.