CAPE TOWN - Eskom has welcomed a verdict by Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, which favoured the power utility on the case of transformer theft by it's employees.
Eskom says three men, namely, Bongani Mdluli, David Buti Smith were dismissed in September, while Elias Nkosi resigned before a disciplinary hearing could be held against him.
This comes after the three employees stole and attempted to sell three transformers for R120 000.
It is believed that the Eskom investigation team posed as potential buyers and at the time, the items were to be exchanged for payment when the trio got arrested.
Eskom Divisional Executive for Security, Tebogo Rakau said, "Infrastructure theft, including cable theft is a serious crime that robs the South African economy billions of rands every year. This verdict sends the necessary strong message to all those involved in such criminal activities that Eskom will not tolerate any such crime and will deal decisively with all transgressors, including its own employees".
Say no to electricity vandalism and cable theft:
CCMA judgement comes at a time when the City of Johannesburg has been reported to be need of around R17 billion investment to upgrade it's dilapidating electricity infrastructure.
City's Mayor, Herman Mashaba recently said his administration is faced with an immense backlog of electricity infrastructure which is aggravated by theft and vandalism.