SowetanLive reports that as Eskom withdraws its technicians from certain areas in Tshwane because of threats and attacks on them, sections of Mabopane and Winterveldt have been left to live in darkness for months.

A section of Mabopane has been without power for about three months, allegedly because of illegal connections at an adjacent informal settlement that often cause blackouts that affect people in formal houses. The problem has been persisting for more than a year. Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said there had been several incidents on their employees whenever they went to Mabopane and Winterveldt and that the power utility resorted to hiring private security guards, but they also got attacked. A guard was shot last month while escorting technicians, leading to them withdrawing their services following a risk assessment. "This is the third incident where their employees get attacked and robbed while performing their duties. Most concerning and disappointing is that members of the community have mobilised and threatened our technicians while conducting repairs on site. Service in Winterveldt has also been withdrawn since June, due to the area being declared unsafe for operations," said Qithi. Eskom Gauteng safety, health, environment, risk and quality manager Kith Maitisa said the attacks on their employees were very concerning. He explained that Eskom had no choice but to withdraw its services from communities where its employees were threatened and their safety was compromised.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Keletso Makhwanazi at SowetanLive

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