KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – A 34-year-old female has appeared in King Williams Town Magistrate’s Court today for defrauding Eskom electricity to an estimated value of R300 000.00.
Intelligence driven Forensic investigation under Provincial Commercial Crimes Unit began in March 2020 with full assistance and cooperation of Eskom.
It is alleged the accused was ‘selling Eskom electricity’ where people would purchase electricity for R350.00 and receive 600 units. Her clients were purchasing electricity from her by depositing money via chain store or cellphone banking and she will then send vouchers with inflated units to the client cellphone. It is believed that she has been operating since 2018.
It is further alleged the accused has clients as far as Western Cape and is working for a syndicate based in Gauteng.
Investigation continues and more arrests are imminent.
The case was postponed to 30 October 2020 for formal bail application and the suspects has been remanded in custody.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner applauded the unit for the investigation and progress on the case so far. “Fraud and corruption remains the biggest enemies of our democracy. Our investigators will ensure that all the suspects linked to this syndicate are arrested and brought to book”, she said.
