Randfontein farmers arrested in Eskom electricity theft crackdown

Two farmers in Randfontein were arrested yesterday during operations targeting electricity theft and protecting the integrity of the network. Randfontein Heraldreportsthat according to Ronel Kotze, the communications and stakeholder relations practitioner for the Eskom Gauteng cluster, the first farmer was arrested for reconnecting electricity illegally after being disconnected for non-payment of an outstanding account of about R1.1m. The arrest also involved meter tampering and bypassing Eskom infrastructure.

Kotze adds the second farmer was arrested after an unauthorised 100kVA transformer was discovered on the property. “Eskom records indicate the farm is only allowed a 25kVA transformer, making this a serious breach of safety and regulatory standards,” she says. Kotze continues that Eskom also visited a third farm where a tampered meter was identified and a transformer was removed.

However, the owner was not present, so no arrest was made. Investigations are ongoing. “The removal of illegal transformers was carried out under live conditions, ensuring that neighbouring farms’ electricity supply was not interrupted.

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Eskom emphasises that such interventions demonstrate advanced technologies for safer, more efficient operations,” Kotze added. She warned that electricity theft, meter tampering and illegal connections are criminal offences that strain Eskom’s infrastructure and financial sustainability. “Eskom works closely with the police and other stakeholders to identify offenders and protect lawful customers.” The public is urged to report illegal connections via Eskom’s Crime Line on 08600 37566 or WhatsApp tip-offs to 081 333 3323.

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