West Rand farmers arrested for alleged electricity theft

Two Randfontein farmers in the West Rand have been arrested for alleged electricity theft and illegal connections.

Eskom’s spokesperson in Gauteng, Amanda Qithi, says the arrests follow operations conducted to curb electricity theft and protect the integrity of the power network in the area.

Qithi reveals that a third farm was also visited where a transformer was removed, after a tampered-meter was identified.

However, no arrest was effected as the farmer was unavailable.

Qithi says they’re continuing with investigations and appropriate action will follow.

“The first farmer was arrested for illegally reconnecting electricity supply after being disconnected due to non-payment of an outstanding account amounting to approximately R1.1 million-rand. The arrest also relates to meter tampering and the bypassing of Eskom infrastructure to consume electricity unlawfully. The second farmer was arrested after Eskom teams discovered an illegally connected transformer on the property. Eskom records indicate that the farm has a 25kVA transformer; however, a 100kVA transformer was found connected to the network without approval, constituting a serious breach of regulations and safety standards.”