Beleaguered State-owned power utility Eskom has announced that Stage 3 load shedding is expected to continue “until further notice”.

Eskom power stations continue to face challenges with breakdowns in power generation units increasing the need for consumers to experience load shedding.

“Due to the failure of 2 units at Kendal Power Station and a unit each at Kriel and Arnot power stations, Stage 3 load shedding has been extended from 05:00 today until further notice,” the power utility said.

Eskom is expected to release further information on the current bout of load shedding later on Thursday.

Meanwhile, at least four individuals, including an Eskom employee, have been arrested at the Tutuka and Matla power stations this week on allegations of theft.

According to Eskom, a Tutuka power station employee was arrested for the removal of hydraulic oil drums worth at least R800 000 following “intensive internal investigations” aided by the Hawks.

At Matla power station, three cleaning service contractors were arrested for allegedly stealing copper cables by hiding the cables in a waste storage container.

Eskom Group Security General Manager, Advocate Karen Pillay, said the power utility will be fighting for the alleged thieves remain behind bars for the duration that they are suspects in both cases.

“We shall ensure that bail is denied, and that the employee faces the full might of the law.

“We cannot have such individuals who choose to steal so brazenly, within the employ of Eskom. We shall work ardently to arrest such individuals, including their accomplices and bring them to book,” Pillay said.

Source: South African Government News Agency