A man survived electrocution yesterday after allegedly attempting to steal from an Eskom substation in Extension 5, eMbalenhle.

According to the Govan Mbeki Municipality, the suspect was electrocuted while trying to steal and vandalise critical electrical infrastructure but remains alive.

Donald Green, the municipality’s acting head of communications, said police were called to the scene, and a case of malicious damage to essential electrical infrastructure has been opened.

Green added that the alleged thief is believed to be behind a week-long power failure and forced load reduction in eMbalenhle last week. The community had been without power, or faced prolonged outages, because Eskom could only supply 50% of the load due to damage caused to the infrastructure.

“We believe Eskom will swiftly assist in adding more charges against the suspect. If the suspect survives the electrocution, further arrests may be possible through police processes,” Green said.

He warned the community that tampering with electricity infrastructure is not only illegal but can also result in deadly consequences.

“In recent weeks, the municipality has opened several cases of theft and vandalism, leading to multiple arrests due to an integrated approach between stakeholders and community members,” he added.

eMbalenhle police spokesperson Constable Busi Mthethwa said she would provide further details once she has gathered all the necessary information.