Eskom technicians attacked in Mbombela, utility withdraws services
While a section of the community remains without power, due to illegal connections, the power utility will not return until it’s safe for its employees to do so.
Eskom technicians were recently reportedly attacked with bottles and stones, allegedly by some members of the Mataffin, Mbombela, community.
As a result, the electricity giant withdrew its services from the area with immediate effect.
Eskom released a statement on Saturday stating that following its withdrawal, a section of Mataffin is without electricity as a result of illegal connections.
The withdrawal will result in delays in the restoration of electricity supply to the area, the statement read.
“Eskom has a duty to ensure that its employees work in a safe and healthy environment. Therefore, due to these safety reasons, Eskom services to the Mataffin community are suspended,” the statement read.
Services will only resume once engagements with community leaders and local stakeholders are concluded, and employees’ safety and well-being are guaranteed.
The Lowvelder has sent questions to Eskom, the City of Mbombela, and the Nelspruit Police Station regarding the incident. More information will be published once it is received.
Eskom urges members of the public to urgently report incidents that may pose a danger to them.
This can be done by calling Eskom’s share call number on 08600 (Eskom) or 08600 37566.
Power outages can be reported via Eskom’s chatbot, Alfred, at https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom.
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