Eskom welcomes 20-year prison sentence for contract worker who sabotaged Camden Power Station
Power utility Eskom has welcomed the sentencing of a former contract worker to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment
Image: File
Power utility Eskom has welcomed the sentencing of a former contract worker to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with critical infrastructure at Camden Power Station in Mpumalanga.
Simeon Majaonke Shongwe was sentenced by the Ermelo District Court after being convicted of deliberately sabotaging a turbine at the power station in November 2022, an act that caused more than R22 million in damage and disrupted electricity generation.
The state-owned utility said the sentencing should serve as a strong deterrent to criminal acts targeting the country’s electricity infrastructure.
“This sentence is a decisive warning; tampering with Eskom’s infrastructure and theft will be met with uncompromising justice. Eskom is continually improving its governance structures and investigative capabilities to ensure that anyone who threatens South Africa’s electricity supply faces swift and severe consequences," Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said.
"Eskom, in on-going collaboration with the South African Police Service and national security structures, will continue to protect our power stations and safeguard the nation’s energy future".
Marokane added that Eskom has created a Group Investigations and Security Division to strengthen its ability to act swiftly against theft and sabotage, working closely with the police and national security structures to protect its assets and the country’s electricity supply.
"To strengthen governance and enhance investigative capabilities, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security and investigative functions into the newly formed Group Investigations and Security Division, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive. Through collaboration with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee, Eskom works to facilitate swift action against fraud and corruption, protecting its assets and maintaining public trust".
"Eskom also commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their relentless commitment and effective collaboration in bringing offenders to justice and the support of the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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