80-Year-Old Farmer Faces Jail Time for R6 Million Electricity Theft Scheme!

An 80-year-old farmer from Fochville, Gauteng, has been arrested for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure and stealing electricity and meter boxes, resulting in a massive loss for Eskom and local authorities.

Arrest and Seizures of Stolen Goods

The elderly suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was arrested this week during an operation led by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), which is working to combat electricity theft. The operation involved several agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Eskom, and Johannesburg City Power.

During the raid on the farmer’s property, authorities seized three transformers, 119 electricity meter boxes, and extensive electrical cables used to illegally supply power to nearby communities. These stolen items amounted to R90,000 in damages to essential infrastructure, while the electricity theft itself was valued at R6 million. The stolen meter boxes were valued at R476,000.

An 80-year-old farmer has been arrested after he was found to have been illegally connecting, distributing and selling electricity to communities that have settled on his farm in Fochville. Pics: SAPS #ElectricityTheft #Fochville #Eskom @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/byCR325vOZ

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) December 5, 2024

The farmer was charged with tampering with essential infrastructure, theft of electricity, and theft of meter boxes. His case was heard in court on December 4, 2024, and was postponed until December 11, 2024, for a formal bail application.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that Natjoints is making “commendable progress” in addressing criminal activities that hinder Eskom’s operations. She emphasized the importance of monitoring power stations and infrastructure nationwide, with various government bodies working together to prevent further theft and ensure the stability of South Africa’s electricity supply.

The case is part of a larger initiative to crack down on illegal electricity connections that have been undermining Eskom’s ability to provide reliable service to the country. The task force aims to prevent, investigate, and disrupt these criminal activities, which severely impact energy distribution across South Africa.

Related Case: Former Eskom Employee Convicted for Diesel Theft

In a related development, a former Eskom employee, 57-year-old Zisebenzele Anton Gumede, was recently found guilty of diesel theft at the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. Gumede, who was arrested in July 2022, was sentenced this week in the Ogies District Court. His case highlights the ongoing efforts to address corruption and theft within Eskom and its facilities.

Authorities continue to take action against these illegal activities as part of their broader mission to secure the country’s energy infrastructure.

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