Mabopane, Winterveldt feel the pinch as Eskom retreats

As Eskom withdraws its technicians in certain areas of Tshwane because of threats and attacks on them, sections of Mabopane and Winterveldt have been left to live in darkness for months. 

A section of Mabopane has been without power for about three months allegedly because of an adjacent informal settlement where there are illegal connections which often cause blackouts that affect people in formal houses. The problem has been persisting for more than a year. 

Businesswoman Nomaswazi Masango, 38, has been paying her electricity bill despite the regular power losses.

"We are suffering because of informal settlers and people who are stealing electricity and messing with substations," she said.

Masango, who runs an ice cubes business from home, said she  had to fix her fridge three times because of power surges.

"This is really affecting me because I cannot afford a gas fridge and stove and I have already lost my profit for this month because the ice melted," said Masango.

Another resident who asked to remain anonymous said people knew the people behind the illegal connections who also attack Eskom employees when they come to restore power in the area. She said metro police and police should escort technicians.

"We are being punished for other people's sins and that is not fair," she said.

Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said there had been several incidents on their employees whenever they went to Mabopane and Winterveldt and that the power utility resorted to hiring private security guards who also got attacked. A guard was shot last month while escorting technicians, leading to them withdrawing their services following a risk assessment.

"This is the third incident where their employees get attacked and robbed while performing their duties. Most concerning and disappointing is that members of the community have mobilised and threatened our technicians while conducting repairs on site.

"Service in Winterveldt has also been withdrawn since June, due to the area being declared unsafe for operations," said Qithi.

Eskom Gauteng safety, health, environment, risk and quality manager Kith Maitisa said the attacks on their employees were very concerning.

He explained that the recent attack was reported at SAPS in Mabopane after a guard was rushed to a local medical facility, where he was treated for a gunshot wound and was discharged the next day.

"A vehicle with four occupants stopped next to the reacting security officer while two approached, shot and disarmed him of  his service firearm," he said, explaining that Eskom had no choice but to withdraw its services from communities where its employees are threatened and their safety is compromised.

"While we condemn this violent behaviour, we urge communities to refrain from such acts of criminality. We are very grateful that this incident did not result in a loss of life," said Matisa.

Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakakatso Sello said they were investigating a case of attempted murder and armed robbery following the incident in Mabopane.

"Investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made," she said.