Africa-Press – South-Africa. Eskom says one of its employees was arrested on Thursday after allegedly stealing parts of an electricity pylon, and trying to sell it to a scrap metal dealer.
According to a statement, the employee allegedly removed steel parts of the pylon from the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand, and then took it to a nearby scrap metal dealer.
The Eskom Security team received a tip-off about the 40 steel pieces of a pylon, and then visited the scrap dealer, who confirmed an employee’s allegedly involvement.
When the employee returned to collect money from the scrap dealer, the security team was waiting and the employee was arrested for the theft of Eskom property. The suspect was taken into custody at the Midrand police station.
Eskom says that there have been several theft and vandalism incidents involving pylons in recent months. Often this caused the collapse of the pylons, which left residents without electricity for days.
“It is quite disappointing to have one of own working against the entire collective and its mandate to provide quality electricity to customers,” said Kith Maitisa, Eskom SHEQS Manager in Gauteng.
Eskom said it condemned criminality, and added that it was working with the police to curb electricity-related criminal activities, including all forms of theft, “especially when the rot is from within”.
The utility urged the public to contact the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 with tip-offs.
In addition to theft, Eskom last year found clear evidence that pointed to sabotage after supports attached to a small pylon were cut. The pylon was toppled near Vereeniging in the Free State.
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