DESPITE repeated interventions by eThekwini Municipality and law enforcement agencies, illegal electricity connections continue to resurface at informal settlements along Solomon Mahlangu Drive near The Bluff.

A latest operation was conducted on June 26 to remove unauthorised power lines.

Despite the ongoing joint operations aimed at eradicating illegal connections, residents of the Marikana informal settlement illegally reconnect the power.

Also read: Joint operation targets illegal connections near The Bluff

The joint operation targeted illegal connections at Marikana informal settlements where electricity infrastructure has repeatedly been tampered with despite ongoing efforts to curb the practice.

The operation involved Durban Metro Police, K9 Unit and Fitama Protection Services who worked together to remove illegally installed electricity connections.

There were no arrests made during the operation. Earlier this month another operation was conducted at the settlement where a 3km-long electricity cable was removed.

Operations manager for Fitama Protection Services Richard Hawksworth said such operations will continue until dwellers refrain from stealing electricity.

The Marikana informal settlement is home to more than 500 residents, many of whom have lived in the area for several years.

The settlement remains without legal electricity connections, resulting in some residents resorting to illegal methods to access power.

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