South Africa: Eskom Faces Surge In Violent Attacks, Records R2.6 Million In Losses

South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has reported a surge in attacks targeting its employees, resulting in R2.6 million in losses.

The attacks, which declined in 2023 but resumed in October 2024, posed significant risks to personnel and service delivery operations, particularly in the Eastern Cape.

According to Eskom, the Eastern Cape Region has recorded 19 violent incidents since the start of the 2024/25 financial year, including 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings.

One alarming incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when an Eskom employee was shot and robbed during a car hijacking.

In a statement, Eskom said its electrification sites and commuting employees are vulnerable, with most attacks concentrated in Mbodlana Village, Mthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo.

The company described the situation as “disturbing,” with criminals employing extreme violence, hijacking vehicles and coercing employees into transferring cash.

Eskom cautioned that should the situation persist, it may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas, stating that this would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses.

“We urge local communities to collaborate with Eskom and law enforcement to tackle escalating crimes,” Eskom appealed.

Eskom said it would continue to work diligently with National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety Priority Committee to curb the crisis.

However, Eskom said it would be forced to cease operations in areas where employee safety is compromised.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com