A City of Ekurhuleni municipal electrician was shot and robbed while responding to a power outage in Boksburg last night. As a result, various areas were without power throughout the night. Municipal workers say they are reluctant to tend to after-hours power outages out of fear for their safety.

In a statement, the city says the electrician was robbed at a substation in Dayanglen around 20:00. He was rushed to hospital where he is currently recovering.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini says they are grateful the electrician survived the incident.

“This city strongly condemns the attack on a man who left the comfort of his home and his family on a Saturday night to assist the community, only to be attacked by senseless thugs.

“These unfortunate incidents are becoming a major problem. In fact, our workers are now reluctant and even refusing to attend to power outages at night because of these acts of criminality.

“It is understandable because this job is turning out to be life-threatening.  The unfortunate part is that this means that our customers and residents alike will now have to deal with extended power outages,” Dlamini says.

Dlamini adds that the incident forced the team to withdraw from the electricity restoration process leaving Morganridge, Davanglen and Boksburg West without power for the whole of last night. Work resumed this morning.

“While we remain committed to render quality and sustainable services, such incidents of criminality derail our efforts. We therefore implore our communities to assist in the protection of these employees because they are performing a critical task.

“We have people who need electricity for survival, and without it they can die. Unfortunately, the criminals care less about that,” Dlamini says.

The city has urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the police for further processing and investigation on 08600 10111. –SAnews.gov.za