eskomNews24 reports that a truck driver and his supervisor were arrested on Monday for allegedly swapping out good-quality coal, and delivering sub-standard product to Eskom’s Matla power station.

"The arrests took place after the truck driver was found to be in possession of sub-grade coal destined for the facility. The coal swapping allegedly took place at a known illegal coal yard in the Mpumalanga area, prior to the delivery being made at the Matla power station," Eskom reported on Wednesday. The power utility said a specialist team of investigators from Bidvest Protea Coin, which is contracted to Eskom to investigate coal, diesel and fuel oil theft cases, tracked the truck as it entered and left the illegal coal yard and headed to the power station. "During questioning, the truck driver admitted to offloading the 'good-quality' coal he had received from the Arthur Taylor Colliery, located in Mpumalanga. He further alleged that he was acting on the instructions of his supervisor when he proceeded to the Rondebult coal yard to exchange the coal," Eskom indicated. The two were arrested and a case was opened with the police. This was the third major arrest in two weeks linked to efforts to steal coal and fuel from Eskom.


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