KEY POINTS
- A security supervisor at Eskom was arrested for copper theft.
- The Hawks’ investigation linked Eskom management to the crime network.
- The suspect will appear in court as more arrests are expected.
Authorities have arrested a 40-year-old security supervisor at Eskom’s Tutuka Power Station for his involvement in a copper cable theft syndicate. This marks the eighth suspect taken into custody as law enforcement intensifies its crackdown on the crime network.
The arrest was made on March 5. It follows months of intensive investigations led by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
The syndicate, which has been stealing copper from Eskom, includes high-ranking employees within the power station’s management.
Among those already arrested is Eskom Tutuka Power Station’s principal inspector, Refilwe Motloung. Her brother and brother-in-law were both taken into custody in October 2024.
The latest arrest suggests that the syndicate extends deep within Eskom’s internal security and operational teams.
Copper cables found after vehicle chase and farm raid
The case began on September 30, 2024, when a Provincial Traffic Officer stopped a Toyota Hilux double-cab bakkie at the Kinross weighbridge.
The vehicle was loaded with copper cables, but instead of cooperating, the driver attempted to escape.
A high-speed chase ensued, resulting in the driver losing control and overturning the vehicle. When officers arrived at the scene, they arrested three men who were unable to explain the origins of the stolen cables.
The Hawks, SAPS Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence, Eskom Security, and Fidelity Security launched a broader investigation. It led them to a farm where an official Eskom truck had delivered stolen Eskom copper cables.
Authorities discovered that the cables had been stripped and burned, a common technique used by thieves to remove identifying marks before selling stolen copper.
According to IOL, a further raid at Tutuka Eskom Power Station uncovered additional stolen cables and linked the operation to senior Eskom personnel.
Suspect to appear in court as Hawks continue investigation
Following the investigation, authorities identified Refilwe Motloung as a key player in the syndicate.
Her arrest led to the detention of her brother and brother-in-law, adding to the growing number of Eskom employees implicated in the scandal.
With the latest arrest of the security supervisor, law enforcement officials believe they are closing in on the syndicate’s full network.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on March 6. Also, he will face charges related to copper theft and corruption.
Authorities have warned that Eskom remains a target for criminals. However, the collusion of employees in theft schemes continues to be a significant challenge.
The Hawks are expected to make further arrests as the investigation into the copper theft syndicate continues.
