Eskom is investigating allegations of its employees in Dobsonville, Soweto, being involved in sabotaging electricity infrastructure and colluding with a local ward councillor.
Eskom disturbed by claims a Dobsonville ward councillor is behind infrastructure sabotage
In a fiery statement, the state-owned parastatal confirmed it’s taken note of serious allegations suggesting that its employees in Dobsonville are complicit in damaging local electricity infrastructure.
Reports have emerged, including on social media, accusing these employees of collaborating with a ward councillor to deliberately switch off and vandalise the electricity network. The allegations claim that this sabotage is a tactic to extort money from customers for repair costs.
The power utility is actively investigating these claims to unearth the truth behind the allegations.
Eskom emphasised its commitment to thoroughly probing these accusations and has condemned any threats directed at its employees.
“Eskom will not stop until it gets to the root of these allegations,” the statement read.
Until these allegations are proven, Eskom urges the community to consider its employees innocent and respect their safety.
Parts of Dobsonville disconnected from grid – Here’s why7
Eskom has confirmed that it procedurally disconnected parts of the Dobsonville network due to low electricity purchases leading to significant revenue and energy losses.
This measure, Eskom explained, was part of a broader strategy implemented across Gauteng to prevent equipment failure and revenue loss due to illegal activities like tampering and illegal connections.
The mini substations turned off in Dobsonville were subsequently vandalised. To repair this damage, Eskom requires a minimum deposit of R500.00 from 60% of affected customers towards the total remedial fee of R6 052.00.
This fee covers costs related to illegal connections, meter tampering, and purchases from illegal vendors. Restoration of the power supply will not be immediate as the network must be normalized and declared safe for reactivation.
Eskom clarifies that it does not handle cash transactions at its offices, and neither its employees nor contractors are authorised to collect electricity payments from customers.
“Customers are advised to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.”Eskom will not stop until it gets to the root of these allegations,” Eskom said.