Police have arrested a 37-year-old suspect and recovered dozens of stolen Eskom electricity transformers worth millions in lost revenue.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Workstream conducted an intelligence-driven operation on Friday, March 7, in Winterveldt, leading to the arrest of a suspect for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising SAPS specialized units, Eskom investigators, and technicians discovered the suspect in possession of an Eskom transformer and various electrical equipment, resulting in his immediate arrest.
Further investigations revealed 27 additional illegally connected Eskom transformers throughout the area. According to Eskom officials, these illegal connections have caused an estimated revenue loss of approximately R90 million.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Rietgat Magistrates’ Court next week.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, March 5, authorities dismantled and seized 13 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot and Erasmia, representing an estimated R19 million in lost revenue.
Since its establishment in 2022, the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Workstream has made significant progress in reducing incidents of sabotage and criminal activities affecting Eskom’s operations.
The South African Police Service encourages community members to report any criminal activities by contacting their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or submitting anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App.
