Illegal Eskom connections can lead to jail time
Review has been receiving several complaints on illegal electricity connections that have been noted by the public. Not only are these connections illegal, these can also be life threatening.
POLOKWANE – To gain more clarity on what illegal connections entail, Review spoke to Eskom Inspector Patrick Naledzanuni who primarily deals with the investigation of illegal electricity connections in and around the city.
According to Naledzanuni, an electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the Eskom network without Eskom’s permission or knowledge. Examples of these are cables being connected to mini-substations or overhead poles. These are however some of the methods with which people attain electricity, which in reality poses a great risk as it overloads the system. “This often causes the power connection to trip or fail, meaning no one in the area would have electricity. It can also cause a fire,” he said.
Illegal connections can also cause electrocution due to the unsafe manner in which these are connected and the lack of electrical protection. “When you connect illegally, you draw from the same equipment which was meant for a certain number of households, resulting in the equipment being overloaded and the system failing/tripping,” he added.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/177560/illegal-electricity-connections-affect-you/
A number of individuals have due to these methods, suffered a lose of life. “The saddest and most concerning part for Eskom 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,” he said.
Another factor contributing to the unsafe nature of this, is the fact that these are connected by unqualified individuals who not only risk electrocuting themselves, but also pose an imminent danger for others. The danger in these connections is heightened by the cables and connection ties which are visibly seen laying across pathways.
In a bid to combat these illegal connection, individuals found with illegal connections will be liable for fines from R1 500 and more, wholly dependent on the state in which these connections are found. In more severe cases, these individuals can find themselves behind bars for a period of time.
Illegal connections must be reported. To report an illegal connection contact Eskom on 08600 37566 (ESKOM) or make use of the SMSCrime Line on 32211.
