While State-owned utility Eskom has noted a decline in criminal activities targeting its electrical infrastructure – including mini-substations, high-voltage pylons and transformers – compared with the previous year, the utility says these incidents remain “high and a serious concern”, with widespread consequences for electricity supply and public safety.

The utility commends the South African Police Service (Saps) for its recent intelligence-driven operation, which led to the arrest of six suspects found in possession of Eskom property valued at R1.5-million.

It notes that the suspects appeared in the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court, in KwaZulu-Natal, on April 7.

As of the end of February, Eskom says infrastructure vandalism and theft have cost it about R221-million for year-to-date – from April 1, 2024, until the end of February this year  –  down from R271-million in the same period of the previous year.

Despite this improvement, the utility posits that the issue demands ongoing vigilance and proactive community involvement.

“We urge communities to play a role in safeguarding the infrastructure that delivers electricity to their homes and businesses. Reliable electricity is essential for daily life – preserving food, cooking, heating, lighting and enabling children to study after dark. Protecting this infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” says Eskom group executive for distribution Monde Bala.

“Vandalism results in unplanned power outages, often leaving homes and businesses without electricity for extended periods. The restoration process can be prolonged, particularly when essential infrastructure such as transformers or high-voltage breaker components is damaged, as these items can take weeks to replace.

“We have noted a troubling rise in theft-related incidents, including the removal of pylon steel structures, illegal sand mining around pylons, and the siphoning of oil from transformers – activities that not only disrupt supply but also pose significant safety hazards,” adds Bala.

Eskom warns that tampering with electrical infrastructure poses serious and potentially fatal risks.

The utility explains that, when transformers are drained of oil or connected to illegal installations, they can overheat and explode, leading to widespread power outages and, in some cases, loss of life.

Moreover, the theft of steel components from pylons compromises the structural stability of power towers, increasing the risk of collapse, particularly after heavy rainfall.

This endangers both people and animals, as high-voltage lines carry thousands of volts and can be deadly upon contact, warns Eskom.

The impact of vandalism extends beyond households, affecting businesses, mines and entire communities. Power outages force businesses to rely on costly backup generators, driving up operational expenses that ultimately affect the organisation and its customers, it says.

“Despite the extreme risks involved, acts of infrastructure vandalism and theft continue, endangering perpetrators, our customers and the broader public,” says Eskom.

Additionally, the utility says it has identified a rising trend of individuals throwing metal chains and wires onto power lines, causing flashovers that trip power lines and disrupt supply.

“Such reckless actions not only contribute to power failures but also put lives at risk. Tragically, there have been cases where individuals suffered severe injuries or lost their lives due to contact with electrified objects hanging from power lines,” the utility says.

Although Eskom notes that it has seen a reduction in these crimes owing to increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies and improved security measures, the problem persists and remains unacceptable.

“We cannot continue to lose members of our communities to these preventable incidents. Everyone must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject the notion that vandalism is an acceptable means of survival.

“These acts compromise electricity supply and place additional strain on Eskom’s ability to serve its customers,” says Bala.

Eskom calls on all community members to take an active role in protecting electrical infrastructure by reporting any vandalism or suspicious behaviour.