Eskom has welcomed the conviction of Selby Magagula, the power utility’s Rotek Industries (ERI) sub-contractor employee at Camden Power Station, on two counts of bribery and corruption.
Magagula was slapped with these convictions by the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court last week.
Magagula has been sentenced to four years’ direct imprisonment for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
This conviction follows a thorough investigation by the Eskom Security Investigations team which began on October 3, 2023, confirming allegations of bribery, corruption and improper conduct.
On September 26, 2023, while on duty at the power station’s coal stockyard, Magagula accused a coal truck driver of delivering coal mixed with rocks. He entered the truck cab and produced three pieces of rock, claiming they were part of the coal meant for delivery. He informed the driver that this issue would result in grounding all trucks, with three trucks already in the queue.
Magagula then demanded that the driver contact his employer. The driver reached out to his supervisor at the coal transporting company who then spoke to him. During this conversation, Magagula solicited a bribe of R6 000 (R2 000 for each truck) to allow the coal to be offloaded. Despite the supervisor not agreeing to his demands, the trucks were eventually allowed to offload the coal. This conversation was recorded by the truck’s fleet vehicle camera system.
An internal Eskom investigation confirmed that Magagula had indeed solicited a bribe from the hauler and his supervisor. It was also established that the coal delivered met Eskom’s specifications, contrary to Magagula’s claims.
Magagula was arrested at the Camden Power Station on October 11, 2023.
“The conviction of the suspect is a positive step in our continuous efforts to fight crime, fraud, and corruption, and to maintain the highest standards of integrity within the organisation,” said Botse Sikhwitshi, acting general manager for security at Eskom.
“We commend the coal company’s team for their vigilance, as well as our internal security team and the law enforcement agencies. Their efforts, coordinated and led by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) Safety and Security Priority Committee, play a crucial role in supporting Eskom’s fight against criminal activities,” said Sikhwitshi.
The power utility encourages the public to report any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and critical infrastructure crimes. Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
The Star