Former contractor sentenced to 20 years in prison for infrastructure tampering and theft. Damage exceeded R22 million and power generation was disrupted at the country’s main power generation facilities.
Eskom has welcomed the sentence handed down by the Ermelo District Court against Simeon Majaonke Shongwe, a former employee of contractor Howden, who was found guilty of tampering with critical infrastructure and theft at the Camden power station in Mpumalanga.
Judgment took place on Monday, January 26, 2026. Shongwe was sentenced to 20 years in prison for tampering with critical infrastructure and an additional 15 years for theft, with the sentences to run concurrently. He will essentially serve 20 years in prison.
The crime occurred in November 2022 at the Camden power station, which is designated as a national strategic location. Eskom said the incident caused losses in excess of R22 million and led to significant operational disruption at the coal-fired power plant.
Eskom said the conviction was an important milestone in its efforts to combat criminal activity targeting the country’s electricity infrastructure. The power company said acts of sabotage and theft pose a direct threat to security of supply and economic stability and must continue to take decisive legal action.
Eskom Group CEO Dan Malokane said the judgment sent a strong message to both employees and contractors.
“This result is a decisive warning that tampering with and theft of Eskom’s infrastructure will be met with uncompromising justice. Eskom is strengthening its governance and investigative capabilities to ensure those who threaten the power supply face swift and severe punishment. Working closely with the South African Police Service and the national security establishment remains central to protecting our power stations and securing our country’s energy future,” Malokane said.
As part of these initiatives, Eskom has consolidated its forensics, security and investigation functions into a new Group Investigations and Security department, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer. Utilities will also continue to work with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to accelerate action against fraud, corruption and infrastructure-related crime.
Eskom commended the South African Police Service for its role in the investigation and prosecution, and the continued support of national security partners.
According to court evidence, Shogwe was arrested in November 2022 after investigators said he was involved in intentional sabotage at Camden Power Station. An investigation revealed that the bearing oil drain plug had been intentionally removed from the turbine used for power generation. This caused the oil burner to trip repeatedly, draining vital lubricating oil and severely damaging turbine components. As a result, the station’s Unit 4 lost all associated mills and tripped. Evidence and confessions confirmed that the removal of the plug was intended to cause a malfunction.
Eskom said the case highlights the importance of vigilance, strong governance and cooperation across the energy value chain to protect critical power generation assets.
Author: Brian Groenendaal
