Illegal connections: leads to death and millions lost
ILLEGAL electricity connections have become a problem across South Africa and a cause of concern in light of the latest deaths attributed to the practice.
Three people – a man, 26, and two women, aged 18 and 24, died in separate incidents last week after coming into contact with illegal electricity connections in the Eastern Cape.
An illegal connection occurs when a person connects their home’s electrical circuit to the national grid without a meter, or without the consent or knowledge of Eskom. Such connections can overload the system, leading to power outages across regions.
Miranda Moahlodi, senior manager for occupational health and safety at Eskom, said no one should underestimate the power of electricity, as it can be dangerous if not respected or handled correctly.
“The rise in illegal connections burdens Eskom’s electrical system and poses life-threatening risks to innocent individuals, families, communities, as well as livestock and wildlife encountering these connections. Typically executed haphazardly, these connections can cause fires, electrocutions, power outages, and even death in the worst-case scenarios.
“This risk coincides with an increase in criminal activities, including damage to and vandalism of infrastructure, and theft of electricity cables,” Moahlodi said.
In August, 2023, Eskom reported 15 fatalities due to contact with electricity, with an additional 147 people sustaining electricity-related injuries.
The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo reported the highest number of cases.
Several municipalities, including the City of Cape Town and Johannesburg, are actively disconnecting illegal connections. The City of Cape Town said it recorded 230 incidents of electricity vandalism and illegal connections in the last quarter of 2022.
The metro’s Area North was the worst-affected, and the Mowbray and Gugulethu districts were heavily impacted. Eskom estimates a loss of almost R22 billion annually due to nontechnical issues, with about a third of these occurring in Gauteng, where illegal connections alone cost Eskom about R7bn a year.
Sanctions can be imposed on those found making illegal connections, whether for private residences or businesses. In line with regulations and Eskom’s procedures, community members found to have tampered with their meters are issued fines of R6052 per tampered meter, and all illegal connections are removed.
Offenders could also face imprisonment as it is considered damage to infrastructure. Illegal connections can be reported to Eskom at 08600 37566 (ESKOM) or SMS the Crime Line at 32211. To report damage to Cape Town electrical infrastructure, SMS 31220, or email power@capetown.gov.za.
The City of Cape Town offers a R5 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of people vandalising, damaging or stealing electricity infrastructure, or installing illegal connections.