Eskom raps cannabis farms with R7.7 billion in illegal connection debt

Eskom has revealed that illegal electricity connections in Gauteng have cost it a hefty R7.7 billion in debt.

On Monday, the power utility has targeted its super electricity users in transgression of the law.

It has disconnected power to three farms in Randfontein for several contraventions, including illegal connections and tampering with meters.

Two of the farms, which produce cannabis, are owned by one person who owes Eskom R2.3 million.

The owner has been arrested for reconnecting power that was previously disconnected.

Gauteng Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said, "When you have been issued a bill, you are given a specific date that you need to pay by, and if you do not pay, we start engaging you that you need to honour your payments, and if you do not, we will disconnect you, and in this case, we have had those conversations."

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