Eskom warns of dangers posed by illegal electricity connections
Eskom is urging South Africans to report illegal connections, exposed wires, vandalised infrastructure and other electricity hazards during Electricity Safety Month, warning that these dangers can cause fires, injuries, fatalities and prolonged power outages.
Eskom has urged South Africans to report unsafe electricity connections and other electricity-related hazards as the power utility observes Electricity Safety Month in August.
Eskom’s senior manager for Occupational Health and Safety Miranda Moahlodi, said communities face serious safety risks from illegal connections, low-hanging and exposed wires, cable theft, infrastructure vandalism and attacks on electricity workers.
“Eskom has reported around 200 public safety impacts linked to electricity-related incidents, and we remain concerned that many more incidents may go unreported where communities protect the illegal connections responsible for many of these hazards,” she said in a statement on Wednesday, August 26.
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The power utility warned that while electricity is essential to everyday life, illegal connections, exposed conductors and tampered infrastructure continue to put communities, employees and contractors at serious risk.
It said poorly installed, overloaded or tampered electrical lines are among the biggest contributors to fires in informal settlements and residential areas.
Eskom said early reporting can help prevent fires, protect children and families, reduce unplanned outages and contribute to a safer and more reliable electricity network.
The utility urged communities to follow its See-Act-Immediately approach when they encounter hazards such as fallen or low-hanging wires, open electrical boxes, damaged meter boxes, vandalised transformers or unsafe connections running through trees, across streets or over rooftops.
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“Do not touch it, do not remove it, and most importantly, do not ignore it.”
Eskom also warned that vandalism, cable theft and illegal electricity operations can cause extended outages, damage essential services and expose communities, employees and contractors to potentially fatal risks.
Residents can report electricity-related crime, illegal connections and unsafe electrical hazards to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22, email eskom@whistleblowing.co.za or SMS 31090.
“Together, we can create safer homes, safer workplaces, and safer communities. Report illegal connections, exposed wires, damaged electrical equipment, meter tampering, cable theft, or vandalism to Eskom or your local municipality.
“Your report could prevent an injury, save a child’s life, and help keep South Africa’s electricity infrastructure safe and reliable,” she said.
