A 37-year-old suspect was arrested in Winterveldt for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure on Friday after police seized 28 stolen Eskom transformers, valued at approximately R1.7 million.
The arrest came during an intelligence-driven operation on Friday when SAPS members, along with Eskom investigators and technicians acted on intelligence regarding illegal electricity connections in the area, and upon arrival, they found the suspect in possession of an Eskom transformer and other electrical equipment, resulting in his immediate arrest.
The police revealed that investigations also uncovered 27 illegally connected Eskom transformers across the area, with the Eskom officials revealing that the illegal connections have resulted in a revenue loss of about R90 million.
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"Further investigations uncovered 27 additional illegally connected Eskom transformers across the area. Preliminary estimates by Eskom officials indicate that these illegal connections have resulted in a revenue loss of approximately R90 million," Lt Col Amanda van Wyk said.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Rietgat Magistrate's Court this week. Meanwhile, in a separate operation on Wednesday, March 5, the team also dismantled and seized 13 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot and Erasmia, with an estimated revenue loss of R19 million.
"Since its establishment in 2022, the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Workstream has significantly curtailed incidents of sabotage and criminal activities affecting Eskom’s operations," Van Wyk added.
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