An Eskom plant operator, who was arrested in connection with the theft of diesel worth R500 000, made a brief appearance in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Angelo Cysman, 40, was arrested on Friday December 23 while at home serving his suspension.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said an internal investigation was conducted by Eskom and was then transferred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State team, based in Bellville, for further investigation. This led to the arrest of the worker a month after Eskom had laid a complaint regarding the theft of diesel.
“Through internal investigations, it was established that the plant operator permitted a vehicle to collect the stolen diesel from the site; he declared the diesel tanker empty and that all diesel has been offloaded, whereas it was not,” she said.
The suspect was released on R50 000 bail and the case was postponed to Friday February 24 next year for further investigation.
This comes a month after Eskom reported that two security guards employed by a security company contracted by Eskom to protect Port Rex Power Station, in East London, were arrested on Monday November 28, for stealing 5 863 litres of diesel worth about R145 930.
The guards were arrested while on duty at the power station.