KEY POINTS
- Eskom loses about R6 billion annually in KwaZulu-Natal due to electricity theft, with half of provincial customers illegally tapping power.
- A raid in Hardingsdale Farm recovered stolen transformers and cables, highlighting organized crime behind illegal electricity use.
- Delays in legal electricity supply and rezoning issues have contributed to illegal connections, while smart meters may help curb future theft.
Eskom is losing an estimated R6 billion annually in KwaZulu-Natal due to widespread electricity theft, with around 50% of its 1.2 million provincial customers illegally accessing power.
Many of the thefts are facilitated by stolen materials originally owned by the utility, and actual losses may be higher when factoring in municipal electricity theft.
On Thursday, Eskom technicians, supported by armed private security, conducted an unannounced raid in Hardingsdale Farm, Pietermaritzburg, seizing transformers and overhead cables used for illegal electricity connections.
Eskom recovered five out of six stolen transformers and plans to involve the police to identify and arrest those responsible. Eskom’s Senior Manager for Customer Services, Dadewabo Mbhele, described the theft as organized and well-funded, with contractors erecting infrastructure for illegal consumption.
Challenges of Legal Supply and Community Complaints
Residents of Hardingsdale Farm, many of whom can afford electricity, have previously complained about delays in legal electricity supply due to rezoning issues.
While some have resorted to solar power, Eskom stressed that free consumption undermines infrastructure maintenance and expansion. The utility is considering smart meters as a long-term solution to curb theft and ensure fair billing.
