By: The Youth Voice Reporter

An Eskom contract worker has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure at the Camden Power Station in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.

Simeon Majaonke Shongwe (46) was sentenced by the Ermelo District Court on yesterday, 26 January 2026, after being convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and theft.

The court heard that Shongwe intentionally caused damage valued at R22.7 Million at the power station on 10 November 2022. He was arrested five days later following an investigation, and the case was subsequently handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Secunda.

During the investigation, evidence gathered from crime scenes and witness statements formed the basis of the State’s case. Shongwe made several court appearances and was released on bail while investigations were ongoing.

At sentencing, the court imposed 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years’ imprisonment for theft. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year prison term.

Welcoming the sentence, Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, said the conviction should serve as a deterrent.

“Tampering with essential infrastructure has a negative impact on service delivery and remains a national challenge. Eskom has been affected by sabotage, and this sentence sends a strong warning to those involved in such crimes,” Gerber said.