Tampering leads to electrocution in Soweto
Two men were electrocuted while allegedly illegally operating on an Eskom mini substation on Tuesday (2 June) in Tladi, Soweto. One was fatally injured and the other sustained serious injuries. The matter is under investigation by Eskom and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Eskom has expressed concern for the loss of life through electrocution at the substation. The power utility warned that unauthorised operations on its electricity infrastructure are not only unsafe, but also lead to power supply interruptions caused by failed transformers due to the network overload. Eskom recently reported the arrest of five members of the community in Orlando East, Soweto for allegedly illegally tampering with the Eskom electricity infrastructure.
Meter bypasses, illegal connections and tampering with the electricity infrastructure are on the rise, and are the main cause for the prolonged electricity outages experienced by customers during this lockdown period. Eskom has intensified its efforts to safeguard its assets by partnering with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies in ensuring that illegal activities are contained and avoided.
Eskom would like to urge members of the public to refrain from interfering with the electricity network and to report any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.
