WATCH: Eskom, SAPS end ‘free’ electricity
A resident said each household bought poles and cables and paid a R700 initiation fee to have their shacks electrified.
The residents of the Gabon informal settlement in Daveyton and surrounding areas watched in horror when Eskom contractors disconnected and confiscated heaps of illegally connected electricity cables on September 11.
Residents claimed that because the municipality ignored their pleas for legal electricity, they had no choice but to resort to illegal connections. Live wires hung like rags from poles.
A resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said each household bought poles and cables and paid an initiation fee of R700 to “certain people”, who then electrified their shacks. He said they pay R100 monthly for this.
The operation was part of Eskom’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its network and alleviate the strain caused by unauthorised and illegal electricity connections.
Members of the Red Ants, the SAPS, the EMPD and security companies were part of the operation.
Ekurhuleni’s Eskom area spokesperson, Ntombifuthi Hlophe, said the power utility loses billions in revenue because of illegal connections.
“Two weeks ago, two transformers in the area exploded due to network overloading. Illegal connections pose a great risk to residents. We have recorded several fatalities and incidents of children getting electrocuted,” said Hlophe.
A resident living at a section called Lindokuhle said their transformer exploded two years ago because of an electrical current overload.
This incident happened after the residents from another section illegally connected power from their mini substation.
“This has affected me financially because I have to buy gas with the little money we get from the grant.
“I’m happy Eskom has finally taken action against illegal connections because it has caused us nothing but pain.
It’s also unfair that in other sections where residents connected electricity illegally, they charge us to charge our phones.
“At least now everyone is without electricity, and Eskom can formally supply everyone.”
Another resident, Vusi Khoza, said he hopes Eskom will fix their transformer so their lives can return to normal.
Some residents said they would reconnect the cables immediately after the police left the area.
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