Electricity thieves jailed for seven years
The Hawks have arrested a Vereeniging woman who is suspected of being a crucial player in an illegal electricity voucher vending syndicate.
Lists containing electricity meter numbers, close to R100,000 in cash, 18 cellphones, and two laptops were found in the suspect’s accomplice’s house, with the money believed to be the proceeds from the sale of illegal electricity vouchers.
“Investigators are confident that they are close to catching those who are running this ghost vending syndicate,” said Operation Khanyisa.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with fraud – they have subsequently been released on bail of R50,000 each.
“The National Prosecuting Authority is hopeful the arrest will lead to the apprehension of more people involved in ghost vending and the recovery of stolen prepaid electricity… belonging (to) Eskom.”
Earlier this month, a convicted electricity thief was sentenced to seven years in prison for offering electricity theft services to customers in the agriculture sector.
Eskom’s manager for energy trading and sales forecasting Maboe Maphaka said the arrest came at a crucial time, with the country grappling with load shedding and high demand on the grid.
“We have intensified our efforts to eradicate electricity theft through the implementation of the Customer Compliance Approach, which is being implemented by Operation Khanyisa,” said Maphaka.
Anyone who has information on electricity theft can send tip-offs via SMS to 32211 (R1/SMS).
Crime scene image courtesy of Operation Khanyisa.
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