Eskom today announced that copper cable thief Witness Sibanda has received a 15-year prison sentence.
Sibanda was arrested at Camden Power Station after CCTV cameras detected movement around 9 PM.
On 19 July 2024, the Ermelo Magistrate Court found Sibanda guilty of damaging and stealing essential infrastructure, as well as contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.
Essential and critical infrastructure crimes have the potential to significantly impact Eskom’s operations. Losses incurred because of this criminal activity amounted to approximately R100 000.
The Judge laid down the judgment as follows:
• Fifteen (15) years for damage to essential infrastructure.
• Fifteen (15) years for theft of essential infrastructure (copper cable).
• Three (3) months for contravening Immigration Act.
• All sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 15-year direct imprisonment.
Sibanda was arrested on 08 February 2023 at Camden Power Station for cutting and removing copper cable, which is deemed to be critical infrastructure in terms of the management of the plant, at the cable racks. He was arrested after the CCTV operators detected movement in the area at around 21:00 and despatched security personnel to investigate. On arrival, they found Sibanda in possession of copper cable in a restricted area where he was not authorised to be. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that he had cut off the perimeter fence to gain access to the area. He was apprehended and handed over to Ermelo SAPS at the scene, and a docket was opened at Ermelo Police Station with the following case number CAS 288/07/2024.
“Our security teams are making significant progress in curbing criminal activities through swift action and remain committed to protecting Eskom’s assets and holding offenders accountable. These efforts are bolstered by the strong support of law enforcement agencies, coordinated, and led by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s (NECOM) Safety and Security Priority Committee, and the criminal justice system. We express our gratitude to them,” said Botse Sikhwitshi, Acting General Manager of Security at Eskom.
Eskom encourages members of the public to report unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales and connections, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and essential and critical infrastructure materials. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
