Eskom wants harsher sentences for electricity thieves

[Kevin Lancaster]

Eskom wants harsher sentences for electricity thieves

If Eskom has its way, “izinyoka” – the isiZulu word for snakes – who steal electricity will have to pay up to R60 000 in penalties.

 

[saor]

Ah but paying yourself big salaries for a job not done isn't thievery, right? We all know who the real snakes are.

 

[ellyally]

You mean for those thieves NOT living in Soweto?

 

[Browser]

Because laws and then harsher laws are all that's needed to stop things or people doing things. (sarcasm since it will be missed by some.)


Perhaps Eskom should focus more on getting its house in order along with availability and price that makes electricity viable for more people. If people can't get what they need legally they will get it otherwise, even those sitting in their quasi ivory towers who have yet to be in such a situation.

 

[furpile]

Or maybe just get the ANC to admit that people cannot get "free" electricity, contrary to their campaign lies. That is, after all, why most people in Soweto steal electricity.

 

[The_Assimilator]

Or maybe just get the ANC to admit that people cannot get "free" electricity, contrary to their campaign lies. That is, after all, why most people in Soweto steal electricity.

They don't steal, they simply take what is their God-given right, doncha know?

 

[S1ght]

And if we assume the majority of people stealing electricity are in the townships, how would they be able to pay a R60000 penalty? :/

 

[Swa]

When they can't even enforce the current system?

 

[agel]

When they can't even enforce the current system?

This ^^

Making fines larger helps naught when everyone is too toothless to stand up to e.g. Soweto. Power gets cut, and illegal wiring/connections removed, people riot, everything gets given back

 

[grok]

Eskom wants the penalties added to the bill.

If they refuse to pay R100-R200, do you really think they're going sweat over a R60k account?

It's like Sanral doubling my bill, won't lose a second of sleep over it.

The intention is not to send grandmas to prison.

Is there an upper age limit for the law now? Gogos shouldn't steal, even if grandpa #1 seems to get away with it.