Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection

Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection Photos:Twitter/Eskom/Stock

Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection

Eskom is withdrawing its services in Sibengweni after a worker was threatened at gunpoint to reconnect an illegal connection on Saturday.

Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection

Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection Photos:Twitter/Eskom/Stock

Eskom is withdrawing its services in Sibengweni, a village within the greater Nyandeni Local Municipality, with immediate effect after a worker was threatened at gunpoint to reconnect an illegal connection on Saturday. 

ESKOM WITHDREW ITS SERVICES TO THIS AREA WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

The power utility said the worker was followed and threatened at gunpoint by community members who demanded that the employee reconnect the supply that he disconnected due to tempering on the meter. 

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Eskom worker threatened at gunpoint to reconnect illegal connection
Sibengweni, a village within the greater Nyandeni Local Municipality Photo:GoogleMap

“The matter was reported to the South African Police, and we are grateful that the employee escaped unharmed. 

“We are unable to operate and conduct the necessary audits in the area due to acts of intimidation and threats to Eskom employees.” 

Eskom

It furthermore said the decision was taken to protect the safety of Eskom Employees and its failing infrastructure and to minimise the subsequent revenue losses that came as a result of energy losses from the area. 

IT IS UNABLE TO OPERATE AND CONDUCT NECESSARY AUDITS IN AREA

“Eskom has the responsibility of doing routine work in the areas struggling with energy losses. The criminal behavior directed at our employee and energy losses that continue to happen in the area has been viewed as a business risk. 

“As part of normal operations, Eskom has the right and responsibility to remove illegally connected electricity users from the Eskom networks and evident tampering in affected areas. We also urge our communities to cooperate with Eskom to adequately with electricity-related matters.”

Eskom

HOW TO REPORT ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS:

The power utility urged members of the public to report criminal activities by reporting illegal connections, theft, and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to the toll-free crime line number 0800 112 722 or at the nearest police station.

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