Theft and vandalism of Eskom electricity infrastructure is on the rise
The power utility reported the theft of oil from the transformer of its Randburg substation, while the residents of Buccleuch and Waterfall were left without supply for five days due to theft and vandalism of the electricity equipment not long ago.
Eskom is concerned about the increase in the theft and vandalism of the electricity infrastructure in Gauteng.
The power utility said these criminal acts resulted in the loss of revenue and increased replacement costs for them. This theft and vandalism left customers without electricity for prolonged periods, inconveniencing law-abiding, paying customers and community service points such as healthcare and education facilities and businesses.
Recently, the residents of Buccleuch and Waterfall were left without supply for five days due to theft and vandalism of electricity equipment and the power utility reported the theft of oil from the transformer of its Randburg substation.
Eskom maintenance and operations senior manager in Gauteng, Mashangu Xivambu said, “We have put controls in place to enhance the existing measures to try and eliminate and guard against theft and vandalism of our infrastructure as it affects the livelihoods of our customers.”
He added the power utility conducted risk assessments to classify and identify hotspot areas and places guards strategically at these sites. Armed response patrols were also conducted at interval periods along identified routes and critical infrastructure sites.
“Eskom cannot win this fight alone. We partner and collaborate with community members, community security companies, business forums, community policing forums, police, and Pops to try and reduce theft and vandalism of the electricity infrastructure.”
“We appeal to those communities who are not yet on board to join forces with us in the battle against this scourge that is affecting all of us.”
A resident of Kaalfonten, Ntokozo Nozi, told Midrand Reporter that there had been a theft of an electricity cable in the area which had left a large part of the neighbourhood without electricity for three days as a result.
Another resident Fiona Slattery said, “Of course, we experience vandalism and shut down for 36 hours without electricity. They [Eskom] know the cause of this theft and vandalism is load-shedding and they are still implementing it. They tell criminals when the cables are not hot through the schedule. These thefts will continue to happen.”
Details: Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities anonymously to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 (toll-free) or to the nearest police station.
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