An Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe (46), is expected to spend the next 20 years behind bars after the Ermelo District Court sentenced him for damaging critical infrastructure at the Camden Power Station.

Shongwe was sentenced to a total of 35 years’ imprisonment on charges relating to the tampering of essential infrastructure and theft. The court imposed 20 years for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years for theft, but ruled that the sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will effectively serve 20 years.

The incident dates back to 10 November 2022, when Shongwe allegedly intentionally caused damage valued at R22,726,180.00 at the power station in Ermelo. He was arrested five days later, and the case was handed to the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further investigation.

According to information presented in court, witness accounts and crime scene evidence helped investigators build a strong case, which was ultimately placed before the court. Shongwe made several court appearances during the investigation and was released on bail while the probe continued.

Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Nico Gerber, said the sentence should serve as a warning to those involved in infrastructure crimes.

“Tampering with essential infrastructure is a national problem and has a negative impact on service delivery to members of the public,” Gerber said. “Eskom has been plagued by sabotage, and this conviction and sentence must serve as a strong warning to those implicated in such despicable acts.”

Gerber also welcomed the outcome, praising the investigation and prosecution teams for their work in securing the conviction.

The conviction comes as authorities continue to intensify efforts to combat sabotage and theft linked to power outages and service disruptions across the country.