Police arrested two truck drivers contracted to Eskom at Kendal Power Station after they were found in possession of stolen coal on Wednesday night.
Eskom said in a statement that trucks belonging to an ash transporting company contracted to the power utility had been exiting the power station coal gate when they were stopped by security personnel conducting vehicle inspections.
“Both truck drivers resisted the searches and maintained that the trucks were empty. With the persistence of a diligent security team, the trucks were searched and the stolen coal was found in the trailers,” Eskom said.
General manager for security, Advocate Karen Pillay, said the parastatal was losing billions of rands due to the “misappropriation” of coal and other commodities.
“Coal theft is a highly organised criminal activity and syndicates involved are being enriched through the proceeds derived from the trade in stolen coal. Eskom continues to lose billions of rands due to the misappropriation of coal and similar commodities, which directly affects production,” Pillay said.
“There are several illicit coal stockyards and dump sites in the province that are recipients of the stolen coal. Eskom will ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law,” she added.
The arrests follow a joint operation by the Eskom Security Team and the police who are focusing on identifying and disrupting criminal networks.
A case of theft of coal was opened at the Ogies police station.
Eskom urged the public to report theft of coal, fuel oil and diesel and all other criminal activities to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22.
