Eskom receives diesel probe report; disciplinary action under way and criminal charges not ruled out

According to The Citizen, Eskom has received a forensic report into alleged irregularities in its diesel procurement and storage contracts and says disciplinary action is already under way while the possibility of criminal charges has not been ruled out.

Report under internal review

According to The Citizen, the utility said the report is undergoing review in line with its internal governance processes before any recommendations are implemented.

Probe origins and scope

According to The Citizen, the probe began in March 2025 after contract performance was monitored during operational emergencies, including load shedding in early 2025. The investigation was also informed by reporting and whistleblowing.

According to The Citizen, the expanded scope of the probe included document analysis, interviews and digital forensic reviews to strengthen the evidentiary base.

Statements and next steps

According to The Citizen, Eskom said:

“The forensic probe into diesel procurement under tender MWP2197GX reflects Eskom’s evolving controls – irregularities will be escalated transparently, and criminal or civil recoveries will be pursued where appropriate.”

According to The Citizen, Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said:

“We remain committed to taking the corrective actions on the findings of this investigation with the appropriate level of legal thoroughness, given what is at stake.”

Referral to law enforcement

According to The Citizen, Eskom has already referred the matter to the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in line with the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, and the report is being subjected to rigorous legal and evidentiary checks to ensure it can support both disciplinary and possible criminal proceedings.

Timing for governance checks

According to The Citizen, Eskom expects internal governance and quality assurance reviews of the report to be complete by the end of July.

What Eskom asks of staff and the public

According to The Citizen, Eskom said it supports and encourages reporting of concerns or alleged wrongdoing through its established whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms and treats such information with seriousness and confidentiality.