A transformer at the Eskom power station on the R33, near the Dundee/Utrecht intersection in the Kingsley area, was sabotaged in the early hours of Thursday, July 31.

The power station is known as the Blood River power station by Eskom.

According to SAPS sources, the incident occurred around 2am when the oil valve of one of the transformers was deliberately opened, causing the oil to drain onto the ground. This led to a power failure in several nearby farming communities.

It is believed the perpetrators also attempted to sabotage a second transformer at the same station, but were unsuccessful. Had this attempt succeeded, vast parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal could have been left without power for days – or even weeks.

This second transformer reportedly supplies electricity to parts of Amajuba (Utrecht), Umzinyathi (as far as Dundee), and large sections of northern Zululand, including Vryheid, Mondlo, Louwsburg and Nhlazatshe.

While Eskom has not officially confirmed the motive, an internal contact alleged that the sabotage may be linked to a dismissed former employee seeking revenge.

Although the power station is guarded, it is understood that the on-duty security guard only became aware of the incident after the power supply was disrupted.

This is not the first case of power infrastructure sabotage in the region, with similar incidents having previously affected other rural substations.

Eskom has yet to issue a formal statement.

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