Eskom raids Diepsloot and disconnects stacks of illegal transformers

Eskom has announced the removal of more than 35 illegally-connected transformers in Diepsloot, Gauteng, through a joint operation with various law enforcement agencies.

The operation is part of Eskom’s efforts to reclaim its network and alleviate strain on electricity grids. Removing illegal connections will also help to improve its financial situation.

The state-owned power utility noted that, in the 2022/23 financial year, it suffered non-technical losses amounting to R5 billion due to illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other electricity-related crimes.

“These illegal practices compromise Eskom’s financial health and its ability to deliver a dependable electricity supply to legitimate customers,” it said.

“Illegally-connected transformers not only destabilise the network, causing frequent supply interruptions, extended outages and substandard service for paying customers but also pose significant safety risks to Eskom technicians working on the system.”

Eskom group executive for distribution, Monde Bala, said the power utility removed the illegal connections in Diepsloot Extension 6 with the help of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Red Ants, Eskom Protective Services, and private security firms.

“These efforts are crucial in safeguarding Eskom’s assets, ensuring public safety, and mitigating the severe energy losses caused by illegal connections, meter bypasses, and acts of theft and vandalism,” he added.

The power utility reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards crime and corruption within its ranks.

To this end, it is investigating allegations from community leaders that Eskom employees were involved in selling the illegal transformers.

“We will update community leaders on the outcomes of these investigations once they are concluded,” Eskom added.

It called on all communities to refrain from engaging in electricity-related crimes and report illegal connections, meter bypasses, or other suspicious activities to the Eskom Crime Line (Tel: 0800 11 27 22 | WhatsApp: 081 333 3323).

The power utility shared photos of the illegal transformers and its teams disconnecting them. Some of the photos show illegally-connected transformers stacked on top of one another.