Two truck drivers have been arrested after they were caught red-handed laden with coal they stole from the Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga.
According to Eskom, the truck drivers were arrested as they were leaving the power station on Wednesday evening.
Eskom said the trucks which belonged to an ash transporting company contracted to Eskom were leaving the power station coal gate when they were stopped by security personnel conducting vehicle inspections.
Both truck drivers resisted the searches, Eskom said. They maintained that their trucks were empty.
However, security staff insisted and found the stolen coal in the trailers.
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“Eskom continues to lose billions of rand due to the misappropriation of coal and similar commodities, which directly affects production,” said advocate Karen Pillay, general manager of security at Eskom.
“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 said.
The power utility commended the security team for their persistence and excellent work and said the arrests were a joint effort by the team and the SAPS.
Eskom is calling on the public to report information on the theft of coal, fuel oil and diesel and any other criminal activities to its Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.
