Bogus Eskom workers on the rampage
ROSEBANK Bogus Eskom employees are targeting unsuspecting suburban residents who they attack at home and rob at gunpoint.
Police have warned the public not to open their doors to strangers claiming to be Eskom workers.
Spokesperson of the Rosebank police Bongi Mdletshe said a case of housebreaking had been opened in Forrest Town after a woman was attacked by two men masquerading as the power utility’s employees.
Police are in possession of the images of the men pretending to be taking down meter readings.
Apparently the woman opened the door for them after they led her to believe they had been dispatched by Eskom to fix some electricity defects inside her house.
Mdletshe said the woman went out to inspect when she heard someone calling at the gate; she then saw two men wearing Eskom reflector jackets.
After telling the woman that they were Eskom workers, she allow them in.
They immediately withdrew their firearms after entering the house and robbed her of a substantial amount of cash.
Mdletshe said the robbery lasted for at least two minutes before the suspects, who are still at large, fled the scene.
The 24/7 security guard, Abednico Ndlovu, told the police about similar incidents in Parkview and Rooseveldt Park.
Parkview police’s spokesperson Princess Mudau said cases of criminals posing as Eskom employees were reported three months ago at the station.
Mdletshe said, “People must be careful out there; they need to get confirmation with Eskom before welcoming any person claiming to be from Eskom in their houses.”
Eskom spokesperson Puleng Lemao commented, “The areas mentioned in your enquiry are not supplied by Eskom. However, it is a concern that there are people who rob residents by pretending to be Eskom employees.”
She said employees or contractors working for Eskom must produce an identification card with a name and photo when visiting premises. The vehicles will have Eskom stickers on the side of the car.
Lemao added, “Eskom prioritises the safety of South Africans and therefore urges residents not to allow anyone without identification into their premises. Members of the public are also advised to contact their local police if they have any suspicions about anyone attempting to enter their premises.”
Details: 08600-37566 (08600 ESKOM)
