Cape Town – An 80-year-old farmer has been arrested for allegedly illegally connecting and selling electricity to residents on his property, resulting in losses estimated at R6 million.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrest followed a coordinated operation on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) energy safety and security work stream, supported by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Eskom, and Johannesburg City Power.
Authorities raided the farmer’s property in Fochville, where they confiscated three transformers, 119 electricity meter boxes, and electrical cables used to connect households illegally.
#sapsHQ The #NatJOINTS energy safety and security work stream continues to register commendable progress in ensuring that all forms of criminality that hamper the mandate of Eskom are dealt with decisively.
In its latest takedown operation on 03/12, An 80yr-old farmer was… pic.twitter.com/dE16Xebo8K
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 5, 2024
“The elderly suspect appeared in court on Wednesday, 04 December 2024 on a charge of tampering with essential infrastructure worth R90 000, theft of electricity worth R6 million and theft of meter boxes worth R476 000.
“The matter has been postponed for Wednesday, 11 December 2024 for a formal bail application,” Mathe said.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts by the NATJOINTS energy work stream, established in 2022, to curb sabotage and criminal activity affecting Eskom’s ability to deliver electricity.
Mathe highlighted the progress made by the task force, which collaborates with various government departments and agencies, including the SANDF, NPA, and SARS, to monitor and protect the country’s power infrastructure.
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Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
