DURBAN - Three people from an Eskom contracted company are expected to appear in court after they were arrested for illegally connecting electricity in the township of Osizweni, Newcastle, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
In a statement, Eskom said a team of theirs was travelling back from a field operation around midday last Friday, October 15, when they spotted the suspects in an unmarked vehicle working on Eskom’s apparatus near the Theku Plaza.
When approached, the suspects claimed to be doing legitimate Eskom work. But on closer inspection, it was discovered that they were conducting illegal electricity connections. The Eskom team reported the incident to the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Osizweni, and the suspects were arrested and appeared in court on Monday, October 18.
KZN and Free State Eskom general manager Agnes Mlambo praised the arrests and appealed for assistance from communities in rooting out illegal activities.
“The quick reaction of our team ensured that all suspects were caught in the act and arrested on the scene. While I commend the vigilance of the Eskom team, I would also like to emphasise that the scourge of electricity theft we are faced with as a country cannot be eliminated by Eskom and the police alone. It requires vigilance from members of the public as well. We continue to intensify the fight against illegal electricity connections as well as other related illegal activities so that many more culprits will be arrested, including our very own ambassadors,” Mlambo said.
The statement further stated that electricity theft was a criminal offence that was punishable by law. Those found participating in electricity theft could face disconnection, tamper fees, and even legal prosecution. Eskom conducts frequent audits and has measures in place to monitor customer buying patterns.
Eskom added that it loses close to R2 billion yearly due to electricity theft.
Electricity theft severely impacts Eskom’s ability to maintain a stable national power grid. Disruption in supply also impacts the smooth operations of hospitals, local businesses, traffic lights and leaves homes and communities in the dark.
“While Eskom remains resolute in the fight against electricity theft and related crimes, we implore each resident to play their part in protecting the public infrastructure that we all benefit from.
“Communities are urged to report suspected electricity theft to the SMS Crime Line number: 32211 or call the Eskom Contact Centre on 0860 037 566. Reporting such activities can lead to safer communities and can have a positive impact on electricity supply and pricing,” read the statement.
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