An armed gang of 30 robbers shot dead an Eskom-contracted security officer in a brazen attempt to steal copper cables at the power utility’s Klipspruit Customer Network Centre (CNC) in Soweto.
It is alleged that the suspects were attempting to steal the City Power copper cable when they shot at an approaching team of seven security officers.
Eskom said the shooting occurred on 11 January just before midnight.
Recounting for the first time events leading to the fatal shooting, Eskom said Tuesday: “Seven security officers drove out of the Klipspruit CNC to return to their post at Mapetla substation when the armed suspects allegedly opened fire and fatally wounded one security officer”.
The other security officers escaped unharmed.
“Eskom sympathises with the family of the deceased security officer and is deeply concerned about such criminal acts that cost the life of a breadwinner,” said Kith Maitisa, SHEQS Manager in Gauteng.
“Our role is to provide safe and reliable electricity to customers, however, such acts have a negative impact on us achieving this obligation.
“We will not compromise the safety of our employees and will therefore recall our employees should their safety be at risk.”
Eskom said it continues to experience high incidents of theft and vandalism of its electricity infrastructure, which is beyond what Eskom can handle, even with all controls in place.
“This unfortunate incident took place during a campaign which Eskom has embarked on to create awareness on the impact of electricity infrastructure vandalism and theft on the security of supply.
“The power utility condemns these acts of criminality and requests members of the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest and the successful prosecution of those involved,” said Maitisa.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities anonymously to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 (toll-free) or to the nearest police station.”
The case is under investigation by Eskom and the South African Police Service. No arrests have been reported yet.
