Eskom says vandalism, theft of infrastructure remains major threat to supply, public safety
Between 1 Apri 2024 and end of February this year, infrastructure vandalism and theft have cost Eskom approximately R221 million.
FILE: Illegal electricity connection. Picture: Christa Eybers/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Eskom says criminal activities targeting its electrical infrastructure remain high and are of serious concern.
The power utility has, however, seen a decline in incidents when compared to the previous year.
Mini-substations, high-voltage pylons, and transformers are among the infrastructure being targeted.
Eskom's Daphne Mokwena said that ongoing theft and vandalism remained a major threat to continuous electricity supply and public safety.
"As of the end of February, infrastructure vandalism and theft have cost Eskom approximately R221 million year-to-date (1 April 2024 until the end of February 2025), down from R271 million in the same period of the previous year. Despite this improvement, the issue demands ongoing vigilance and proactive community involvement."
The power utility has commended the police for a recent intelligence-driven operation, which led to the arrest of six suspects in possession of Eskom property valued at R1.5 million.
The suspects appeared in a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) court earlier this week.