Cape Town - A crack-down on electricity theft saw 100 connections in Delft removed by Eskom, law enforcement and police this week.
Eskom teams disconnected the 100 illegal cables across four transformer zones, affecting five streets in the Tsunami informal settlement.
The operation was part of Eskom's ongoing efforts to eliminate the scourge of illegal connections.
Promise Ntuli, maintenance and operations manager at Eskom in the Western Cape, said illegal connections would result in severe consequences.
“These hazardous actions frequently lead to serious injuries among innocent children, who face the risk of electrocution,” Ntuli said.
While only those with illegal connections were disconnected, one resident noted that illegal connections presented a significant problem in the area.
The 39-year-old man, who asked to remain anonymous, said the owners of newly constructed double-storey flats were illegally connecting their electricity cables.
“Some households reportedly pay between R100 and R200 to Eskom workers to restore their power, only to have it disconnected again the following day.
“I report illegal connections, but they merely check the box without inspecting the poles,” he said.
Spokesperson for the City’s law enforcement, Wayne Dyason, confirmed LEAP officers collaborated with Eskom and other entities.
Meanwhile, Eskom warned that transformer overloads and meter bypassing could lead to an explosion, leaving the area without power for extended periods.
Last week, Eskom was forced to suspend operations in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, following an incident in which employees were robbed of their personal belongings and service vehicle at gunpoint.
The incident resulted in significant delays in the restoration of electricity.
Mbulelo Yedwa, general manager of Eskom's Cape Coastal Cluster, said: “We call upon the community to unite against crime and report any criminal activities targeting our personnel or infrastructure.
“The safety of our employees is paramount, and should any incidents of violence or harassment persist, we will redirect our focus to other areas where their safety can be assured.”
Eskom urged customers to report any criminal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or by sending an SMS to 32211.