Eskom condemns vandalism after Primrose power outage

Eskom has condemned the vandalism and theft of its infrastructure following a recent three-day power outage in Primrose.

The power utility said electricity theft, meter tampering and illegal connections remain criminal offences that place immense strain on its infrastructure and financial sustainability.

“Eskom loses significant revenue annually due to electricity theft across the country, funds that are critical for maintaining and strengthening the power system and improving service delivery to paying customers,” said Eskom communications and stakeholder relations official Ronel Kotze.

Residents across several parts of Ekurhuleni were left without electricity following widespread outages caused by this cable theft, which also disrupted water supply in some areas.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Power outage in Ekurhuleni disrupts water supply across multiple wards

The outage affected wards 36, 35, 92, 93 and 42, and was linked to a faulty cable following the theft of Eskom infrastructure in Primrose East. As a result, many households and businesses were left without power.

Ward 92 councillor Kade Guerreiro said the situation has worsened in his area, where the water pump station relies on electricity to function.

“The power failure has had a knock-on effect, leaving residents without water as reservoirs run dry due to the gravity-fed system,” he said.

Guerreiro said the disruption of basic services has had a severe impact on vulnerable residents.

“Electricity is a critical service, especially for residents who rely on oxygen and medication that requires refrigeration,” he said.
“With no power, it also means no water, as our reservoirs are now sitting empty.”

Guerreiro added that the community has repeatedly faced similar outages due to vandalism of Eskom infrastructure.

“This is not the first time we are experiencing this. The cable supplies significant power from Germiston to Primrose, and when it is damaged, it affects multiple areas, including parts of Germiston,” he said.

He further noted the dangers associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Power outage in Ekurhuleni disrupts water supply across multiple wards

“In a previous incident, a suspect was electrocuted while tampering with the cables. This time, however, the suspects managed to escape,” Guerreiro said.

Guerreiro added that the power outage has had a direct impact on water supply in the area.

“There is no fuel for generators, and areas begin to lose water quickly when power is lost,” he said.

Guerreiro called on both the Ekurhuleni municipality and Eskom to strengthen security and monitoring of critical infrastructure.

“We urge authorities to secure and monitor infrastructure more effectively and to install early detection systems. With fuel prices continuing to rise, struggling residents cannot be expected to keep generators running,” he said.

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He also highlighted the economic toll on local businesses.

“Businesses in the ward have contacted me, reporting revenue losses, stock disruptions and delays in fulfilling orders. They are unable to meet demand, and what may seem like a small incident has major ripple effects,” Guerreiro said.

“For the small amount criminals gain, the losses suffered by businesses, residents and Eskom in repair costs amount to millions.”
Kotze further urged residents to act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement by reporting any criminal activity.

She said Eskom continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to identify and act against individuals and businesses involved in illegal electricity activities.

“These operations form part of Eskom’s ongoing efforts to protect the network, ensure fairness among customers, and promote responsible electricity usage,” said Kotze.

Eskom has called on all customers to refrain from illegal connections, meter tampering and any form of electricity theft.

Residents can report illegal activities anonymously via Eskom’s Crime Line on 08600 37566 or through the WhatsApp Tip-Off Line on 081 333 3323.