An Eskom security guard was shot and wounded while escorting staff technicians in Mabopane, north of Tshwane earlier this week.
According to the power utility this is a huge concern as this is not only the third incident in the area where workers have been attacked and robbed while trying to perform their duties and ensure that electricity is restored in the community.
Amanda Qithi, Eskom’s spokesperson in Gauteng said, “Eskom is concerned that this is not only the third such incident where our colleagues get attacked and robbed while performing their duties of ensuring electricity supply in Mabopane, but also more concerning and disappointing is that members of the community had mobilised and threatened our technicians while conducting repairs on the site,” she said.
“It is concerning that our employees now require to be escorted while carrying out their duties to ensure that reliable supply of electricity is provided to communities,” says Kith Maitisa, Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Security Manager in Gauteng.
The power utility said the matter has been reported to the Mabopane police station. The injured security guard was taken to hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound and discharged the following day.
According to Eskom, the incident happened while Eskom technicians were replacing a cable to restore power supply in Block D in Mabopane. A vehicle with four occupants stopped next to the security officer and two armed occupants got out of the vehicle and shot the officer before taking his service gun.
The power utility has decided to withdraw its services in communities where its employees are threatened. “While we condemn this violent behaviour meted against our employees, we urge communities to refrain from such acts of criminality, we are grateful that this incident did not result in a loss of life and that our colleague is at least recovering at home.”
