Eskom has reported a decline in infrastructure theft, yet it continues to pose a significant risk to power supply and public safety. The power utility has expressed its satisfaction over the recent arrest of five suspects in KwaZulu-Natal, who face charges of business robbery following a raid in uMhlathuze’s Ngwelezane area on Sunday. Police recovered stolen Eskom equipment valued at R1.5 million, including smart meters, copper, and other materials.
Daphne Mokwena, spokesperson for Eskom, stated that while the cost of vandalism has decreased this year—down to R221 million from R271 million in 2024—the dangers remain severe. "When transformers are drained of oil or connected to illegal installations, they can overheat and explode, leading to widespread outages and even loss of life," Mokwena said.
She also highlighted the risks posed by the theft of steel components from pylons, which compromise the structural integrity of power towers, particularly after heavy rainfall. Eskom has called for continued vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement to address this ongoing issue.