By Mpho Moloi
Eskom, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, successfully removed over 35 illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot Extension 6, Gauteng. The operation, which took place on 20 August 2024, is part of Eskom’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its network and mitigate the financial and operational strain caused by unauthorized electricity connections.
Eskom revealed that during the 2022/23 financial year, it suffered non-technical losses amounting to approximately R5 billion due to illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other electricity-related criminal activities. These activities not only destabilize the electricity network, causing frequent outages and substandard service for paying customers, but also pose significant safety risks to Eskom’s technicians.
Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Red Ants, Eskom Protective Services, and private security companies. Bala emphasized that these efforts are crucial in safeguarding Eskom’s assets, ensuring public safety, and reducing the severe energy losses caused by illegal connections.
In addition to removing the illegal transformers, Eskom is currently investigating allegations from community leaders that some of its employees may be involved in the sale of illegal transformers. “We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and corruption and will update community leaders on the outcomes of these investigations once they are concluded,” Bala added.
Residents of Diepsloot, however, have voiced their frustrations, claiming that the poor service delivery in their area forced them to resort to illegal connections. According to local reports, some residents even admitted to purchasing electricity from unregistered vendors due to the prolonged delays in Eskom’s response to their needs. The area’s councillor, speaking to the media, acknowledged the severity of the crime rate in Diepsloot, which he suggested pushed residents to seek alternative means of electricity supply, albeit illegally.
Eskom has reiterated its call for communities to refrain from engaging in illegal activities related to electricity and has urged the public to report such activities to the Eskom Crime Line.
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