Nkanini residents will endure another week without electricity after Eskom suspended services due to armed attacks on contractors, prompting calls for community action against crime. Two employees from Eskom working on power lines.
Nkanini residents will be without electricity for the week after Eskom had to withdraw its services from the area due to two separate criminal incidents.
Eskom announced that it had suspended operations in Nkanini, Khayelitsha after two incidents on Friday afternoon in which Eskom contractors were robbed at gunpoint, with one also being hijacked.
Eskom said this will delay electricity restoration efforts with affected customers.
“Eskom senior management and its internal security services will engage the police and local community leadership, regarding the incident and find solutions to ensure the safety of staff before services may resume. The incidents were reported to the Harare and Makhaza SAPS.”
SAPS spokesperson FC Van Wyk said police are investigating both incidents.
The first was a carjacking which occurred at Walter Sisulu Street, Makhaza at 2pm.
“According to reports a 39-year-old contractor and his co-worker were hijacked at gun point by five unidentified males. A white Nissan NP200 with all tools and equipment (rental vehicle) were taken,” Van Wyk said.
“The vehicle was later recovered in Gximfiza Crescent, Makhaza and taken to Bellville and booked in as exhibit for further processing.”
Van Wyk said investigations continue with no arrests as yet.
“Harare police registered a robbery with a firearm case for investigation. According to reports the 32-year-old complainant was working in Ntlazane Road at about 1.40pm when an unidentified male came and pointed a firearm at him. The suspect then took the tool box and his cellular telephone and ran away.”
Ward councillor Ayanda Tetani said residents had been without electricity for almost a week before Eskom had made efforts to fix the issue, but due to the criminal attacks, this will leave already frustrated residents without electricity for another week.
“When you report a fault to Eskom, it takes two-to-five days for them to come to your house. Can you imagine for those who had their faults since Monday, who don't have electricity, and now we are on another Sunday? The frustration is high.”
Tetani said that Eskom informed him that from Monday to Friday their schedule is fully booked and that they will only be able to have a meeting the following week.
“So from this week to next week people won’t have electricity because we need to first have a meeting with Eskom.”
Eskom has also called communities to unite in opposing crime and to step forward in reporting any unlawful actions targeting Eskom staff, its contractors and its infrastructure.
“The safety of employees and contractors is paramount, and if acts of violence or harassment persist, Eskom will focus its efforts on supplying electricity to areas where employee safety can be assured.”
Police urged anyone with information on the incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Cape Times