MAN DIES AFTER ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTING TO STEAL ELECTRICITY CABLES

A man was fatally burnt in Chloorkop, outside Kempton Park in the City of Ekurhuleni on Sunday night, 21 February 2020 while allegedly stealing a cable at an Eskom substation.

An explosion occurred and upon investigation, security found the man lying on the ground inside the high voltage yard. The matter is currently under investigation by Eskom and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Eskom’s preliminary report indicates that the breaker exploded while the deceased was attempting to steal the cable. The deceased sustained serious burn injuries after cutting a protection cable.

Emergency services were called to attend to the injured suspect, however he unfortunately succumbed to the injuries sustained on the way to the hospital.

Eskom has expressed concern around the increase in the number of lives lost as a result of contact with electricity due to illegal activities. The power utility warned that these incidents could be avoided and that members of the public should refrain from such activities and report them when they become aware of them.

The power utility says it will continue to intensify its efforts to safeguard its assets by partnering with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that illegal activities are contained and avoided.

Members of the public and individuals are further encouraged to report any persons interfering with the electricity network and those conducting any illegal activities, to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.