Eskom Employee Arrested for Alleged Involvement in 3 Farmers / Eskom Electricity Theft Case

An employee of Eskom has been arrested for alleged involvement in a case linked to three farmers accused of stealing electricity in Randfontein.

The employee was taken into custody on 16 February 2026 following an investigation into illegal electricity connections in the area. He appeared before the Randfontein Magistrate Court on 17 February 2026 alongside the three farmers implicated in the matter.

The three farmers were arrested earlier this month, with two taken into custody on 10 February 2026 and a third handing himself over to authorities on 13 February 2026. They are facing charges related to electricity theft and unlawful connections.

Authorities allege that the Eskom employee may have played a role in facilitating or enabling the illegal connections. While specific details of the charges against him are expected to be clarified during court proceedings, the case highlights concerns around internal collusion in electricity theft operations.

Electricity theft remains a serious issue in parts of Gauteng and across South Africa, contributing to financial losses, network strain, and safety risks such as fires and electrocution. Eskom has in recent years intensified its crackdown on illegal connections and infrastructure tampering.

The matter is currently before the Randfontein Magistrate Court, where bail proceedings are underway. Further developments are expected as the case progresses through the legal system.