A section of Beyers Naudé Road was closed on November 25 as officials from City Power, Eskom and the police removed illegal electricity connections in Zandspruit. Members of Honeydew CPF assisted JMPD with road closures between Johan and Peter Roads on Beyers Naude Drive.
Communications officer for Honeydew CPF, Michael Steyn said the operation was successful as, “… 16 tonnes of cable valued at R360 000 were removed as well as 19 transformers valued at R501 048”.
Zandspruit resident, Ellen Suping Hlongwane said the only way illegal connections could be eradicated permanently was for the government to provide proper electricity in the area. “The people who steal cables get paid a lot of money. This is money that could have been used to pay Eskom for proper electricity here. I have lived here since 1999 and to this day, niks electricity! We should let government officials do their jobs. We have just voted in the municipal elections but what are we voting for? For us to continue living like this? It’s painful.”
Suping Hlongwane said in the long run illegal connections will only be detrimental to the community. She said children cannot go to school and in most cases end up being shocked or hurt. “Government needs to come here in the community and serve us.”
