Eskom is calling on all communities to refrain from engaging in illegal activities related to electricity.
On Tuesday, the power utility, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, removed more than 35 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot Extension 6, Johannesburg.
Eskom said the joint operation was part of its efforts to reclaim its network and alleviate the strain caused by unauthorised and illegal electricity connections.
In the 2022/23 financial year, the power utility said it experienced non-technical losses of around R5 billion due to illegal connections, meter bypasses and other electricity-related criminal activities within its supply area.
The illegal practices compromised its financial health and ability to deliver a dependable electricity supply to legitimate customers.
Eskom said illegally connected transformers destabilised the network, causing frequent supply interruptions, extended outages and sub-standard service for paying customers and posed significant safety risks to Eskom technicians working on the system.
“We are deeply appreciative of the collaboration with SAPS, Joburg Metropolitan Police Department , Eskom Protective Services and private security companies, in ensuring the success of this operation,” said Monde Bala, Eskom’s group executive for distribution.
“These efforts are crucial in safeguarding Eskom’s assets, ensuring public safety and mitigating the severe energy losses caused by illegal connections, meter bypasses and acts of theft and vandalism.”
Eskom said that while most of its employees were committed to delivering their daily job output and strived to enhance the utility’s performance, they maintained a clear stance of zero tolerance towards crime and corruption.
Consequently, Eskom said it was investigating allegations by community leaders that some Eskom employees were allegedly involved in the sale of illegal transformers.
“We will update community leaders on the outcomes of these investigations once they are concluded. Eskom calls on all communities to refrain from engaging in any illegal activities related to electricity,” said the utility.
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal connections, meter bypasses and any suspicious activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
Additionally, anyone with information regarding the involvement of Eskom employees in illegal activities is urged to report the allegations anonymously for further investigation.
Eskom has issued a notice to inform customers in Soweto of an electricity supply interruption due to maintenance to be conducted on the distribution network on Wednesday.
Eskom said the outage would affect customers in Mapetla, Molapo, Moroka and Rockville from 9am to 6pm.
The power utility said the interruption in electricity supply was necessary to perform essential maintenance on its distribution power lines.
In the interest of safety, customers were advised to treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the power supply outage.
The Star