Winterveldt – Police have arrested a 37-year-old man in Winterveldt, Gauteng, and recovered 28 stolen Eskom transformers valued at about R1.7 million.
The suspect, who was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation on Friday, (7 March 2025), faces charges of theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.
Narrating events leading to the arrest and recovery of Eskom’s transformers, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said law enforcers acted on intelligence regarding illegal electricity connections in the area.
The law enforcers included a multi-disciplinary team, comprising SA Police Service (SAPS) members from various specialised units, Eskom investigators, and technicians.
“Upon reaching the identified location, officers found the suspect in possession of an Eskom transformer and other electrical equipment, leading to his immediate arrest,” said Van Wyk.
“Further investigations uncovered 27 additional illegally connected Eskom transformers across the area.
“Preliminary estimates by Eskom officials indicate that these illegal connections have resulted in a revenue loss of approximately R90 million.”
The suspect will appear before the Rietgat Magistrate’s Court next week.
The arrest is the latest as the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Workstream continues to combat crimes that undermine Eskom’s mandate.
“In another operation, the team dismantled and seized 13 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot and Erasmia on Wednesday, 05 March 2025,” said Van Wyk.
“The loss in revenue is estimated at R19 million.”
Since its establishment in 2022, the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Workstream has significantly curtailed incidents of sabotage and criminal activities affecting Eskom’s operations.
SAPS urges community members to report any criminal activities by contacting their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or submitting anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App.
