Illegal electricity connections and the law
Specialised Security Services private investigator Mike Bolhuis gave Rekord some tips on what illegal electricity connections look like in Pretoria and how to report it.
Illegal power connections continue to be a problem for authorities in Pretoria.
Most recently, Rekord reported last month on illegal power connections in Mamelodi that amounted to R250 000.
It was found that the illegally connected house had supplied electricity to approximately 40 houses in the area.
Specialised Security Services private investigator Mike Bolhuis gave Rekord some tips on what illegal electricity connections look like in Pretoria and how to report them.
According to Bolhuis, a connection can be considered illegal when:
– It is made to the Eskom network without their permission.
– Connecting to a mini-substation or overhead pole.
– Illegal connections are usually made by unqualified electricians and these connections don’t necessarily have the required electrical protection.
Wires run on makeshift poles whilst some lie exposed, endangering unsuspecting pedestrians or children who become victims.
The most concerning part is that it is often children who are electrocuted when they unwittingly touch carelessly laid (and totally unsafe) cables left by those who steal electricity.
An additional risk is that illegally connected wires can also contact other items such as roofs, gutters, and washing lines, making these items live and able to conduct electricity.
These types of connections are commonly referred to as ‘Izinyokanyoka’, due to the underhand way the connections are made and the indiscriminate patterns they follow.
In some instances, substations are overloaded by illegal connections resulting in breakdowns, failing to supply the required energy as intended, and hence, loadshedding occurs.
“The damages and illegal lines cost Eskom R71-million in the financial year ending 2020,” said Bolhuis.
Bolhuis said that the legal implications for someone caught stealing electricity can range from mild to severe as Eskom struggles to control the problem.
“Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the by-laws shall be guilty of a criminal offence and upon conviction be liable for a fine or imprisonment.
“The owner or occupier shall be deemed guilty of the breach of by-law unless they can show they did not know and still exercised reasonable diligence in that period.
“The municipality has the option of calculating the sum to charge for electricity at the highest rate applicable from the date of contravention,” Bolhuis said.
How can you report electricity theft?
Eskom urges people to keep on reporting electricity theft anonymously to Crime Line on 32211 at R1 for an SMS.
Through Operation Khanyisa, Eskom focuses on employees in the electricity industry, electrical contractors and municipalities urging them to stop getting involved in criminal activities through stealing electricity.
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