At least six people are expected to appear in court this week in connection with a fraud scheme at the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga.

According to Eskom, the six were arrested last week following a “coordinated intelligence-driven operation” and investigation.

“[Six] individuals were arrested for their involvement in a fraudulent procurement scheme at Kusile Power Station. Among those apprehended are a former Kusile Procurement Officer and a Procurement Manager.

“Investigations revealed that in 2018, a pump was unlawfully procured for R857 977, despite an identical pump with the same serial number having been purchased in 2015 for only R18 835. This fraudulent transaction led to a direct financial loss for Eskom,” the power utility said.

A further two suspects are still at large with law enforcement in pursuit.

“These arrests form part of the ongoing efforts by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to address fraud, corruption, and criminal activities within Eskom, its supply chain, and South Africa’s broader energy infrastructure.

“Eskom continues to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate fraud and corruption cases. While these investigations are thorough and time-intensive, the latest arrests highlight significant progress in ensuring accountability and justice,” Eskom said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said: “Our commitment to eliminating corruption within Eskom remains unwavering. By far the vast majority of our employees demonstrate integrity and dedication, and those who engage in wrongdoing will increasingly face investigation and action.”

Report any fraud, theft, and illegal electricity sales via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za

Company ‘Captured’ Emfuleni With R14m Bribes To Steal Eskom Power

By Staff Writer2025-03-16No Comments2 Mins Read

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Vereeniging businessman, Andries Marx, in court. Thapelo Morebudi Image: Thapelo Morebudi

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A Vereeniging-based metal castings producer, Yellow Star Manufacturing (YSM), allegedly paid R14 million a year in bribes to Emfuleni municipal employees to secure an illegal electricity connection and tamper with meter readings, according to explosive claims by its former CEO, Andries Mar

Sunday Times reports that the illicit arrangement reportedly saved YSM, a supplier to major mining and steel firms, millions of rand monthly, slashing its power bill by half.

The scheme was so audacious that a transformer was allegedly stolen from an Eskom depot in the Free State and installed on YSM’s premises.

Sunday Times reported that this alleged power heist is said to have severely impacted the already struggling Emfuleni Municipality, contributing to its financial collapse. Last year, Eskom attached the municipality’s bank accounts to recover R8 billion in unpaid debt.

Marx, who is facing fraud charges for allegedly stealing over R30 million from YSM, detailed the bribery scheme in a 2023 police statement. He claims YSM’s owner, Hanno van Dyk, brokered the deal with municipal officials. However, Van Dyk denies involvement, accusing Marx of orchestrating the scheme without his knowledge. The two are embroiled in a bitter fallout, with Van Dyk having opened a fraud case against Marx.

In his statement, Marx alleges that YSM paid monthly bribes to municipal electricity department employees starting in 2014, when the company struggled to settle a R2 million debt. He also accuses Van Dyk of money laundering, tax evasion, and using black employees as fronts to boost BEE scores.