State-owned power utility Eskom has welcomed the separate sentencing of two individuals for theft of cables near the Duvha power station, in Mpumalanga, and said it was committed to safeguarding the security and integrity of its critical infrastructure.

The utility has welcomed the 15-year prison sentence handed down to one person for the March theft of copper cable from the Duvha power station's coal conveyor belt, as well as the five-year prison sentence handed down to another for the theft of aluminium cables near the power station. The sentences were handed down in October.

"The significant sentences highlight the gravity of crimes against critical infrastructure and serve as a deterrent to others," Eskom states.

Eskom thanked the South African Police Service for their dedication to securing these convictions, and its security teams for their vigilance and collaboration in protecting the nation’s assets.

"The ongoing collaboration between Eskom’s internal security investigations team and law enforcement agencies, coordinated by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s Safety and Security Priority Committee, is yielding positive results in our efforts to combat crime and corruption," it added.

Tampering with or damaging critical infrastructure is a criminal offence, with penalties of up to 30 years' imprisonment, Eskom said.

Such activities disrupt essential services, pose serious safety risks and undermine the sustainability of the electricity network, thereby impacting communities and the economy.

Eskom urged the public to report any suspicious or unlawful activities anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.