South Africa: Former Eskom Contract Worker Jailed For 35 Years For Tampering And Theft At Camden Power Station

A former Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe, has been sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment by the Ermelo District Court for tampering with essential infrastructure and theft that caused damages exceeding R22 million and disrupted operations at Camden Power Station, a designated National Key Point, in November 2022.

The court imposed 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years for theft, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Shongwe is therefore expected to serve 20 years behind bars.

Eskom welcomed the ruling, describing it as a decisive milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities targeting South Africa’s electricity system.

The utility stressed that tampering with essential infrastructure and theft constitute direct attacks on the stability of electricity supply to millions of citizens and will attract severe consequences.

Commenting on the judgment, Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said:
“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, in ongoing 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.”

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 continues to facilitate swift action against fraud and corruption, safeguard its assets, and maintain public trust.

The utility further commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their relentless efforts and effective collaboration in bringing offenders to justice, as well as the support provided by the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee.