Two Randfontein farmers arrested for electricity theft and illegal connections

Three farmers from Randfontein have had a run-in with the law and Eskom. The utility arrested two of the farmers in Randfontein following operations aimed at combating electricity theft and safeguarding its network infrastructure. The first farmer was taken into custody for illegally reconnecting electricity supply after being disconnected due to non-payment.

The individual’s outstanding account with Eskom amounts to approximately R1.1 million. Beyond the massive debt, Eskom authorities also discovered evidence of meter tampering. “The arrest relates to meter tampering and the bypassing of Eskom infrastructure to consume electricity unlawfully,” Eskom stated.

It said that such actions constitute serious criminal offences that undermine both infrastructure integrity and financial sustainability. The second arrest came after the discovery of an illegally connected transformer on another farm in the area. According to Eskom records, the property is registered for a 25kVA transformer. The farmer’s unauthorised installation reached a fourfold increase in capacity beyond what the property is permitted to use.