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Eskom has warned that it may have to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas in the Eastern Cape where the power utility’s employees have fallen victim to criminals.
National spokesperson, Daphne Mokoena, said they were working closely with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), and the Energy Safety & Security Priority Committee to address the rising wave of violent crimes targeting its employees.
Despite an initial decline earlier in the financial year, these attacks have surged since October last year.
“Since the start of the 2024/25 financial year, the Eskom Eastern Cape region has recorded 19 violent incidents, the highest across all Eskom supply areas.
“These include 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings, underscoring the severity of the threat.
“One of the most alarming incidents occurred on 4 January 2025 along the N2 at Tsolo Junction, where an Eskom employee was shot and robbed of personal belongings during a car hijacking,” Mokoena said.
She said employees working on electrification sites and those commuting remain particularly vulnerable, with most attacks concentrated in Mbodlana Village, Mthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo.
“Criminals are employing extreme violence, using firearms, hijacking company and personal vehicles, coercing employees into transferring cash, and even restraining them.
“These threats place Eskom personnel at severe risk of injury or loss of life while carrying out essential duties,” Mokoena added.
She warned if the situation persists, Eskom may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas which would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, which will negatively affect communities and businesses.
“The safety of Eskom employees is non-negotiable,” Mokoena said.
