GroundUp reports that Eskom services in Enkanini, Khayelitsha, were suspended on 21 December 2023 after two Eskom technicians were robbed at gunpoint.

Some families spent a month without electricity due to vandalised and damaged infrastructure which Eskom staff did not fix during the suspension. Services resumed on 16 January after a meeting between Eskom and community leaders. Residents blamed the intimidation of Eskom staff on a syndicate extorting money from companies in the area. “We are also scared of these criminals. They are known in the community but no one wants to speak out because our lives will be in danger. Law enforcement needs to strengthen up because at the end of the day the people are suffering,” commented resident Themba Jayiya. Eskom spokesperson Kyle Cookson said Eskom and the community leaders had come to an agreement “to rally the community of Enkanini to assist in fighting criminal behaviour that leaves Eskom employees traumatised”. Mbulelo Yedwa, Eskom’s General Manager at the Cape Coastal Cluster, said: “Eskom strongly condemns the harassment of its employees, and their safety will always remain our highest priority. Eskom continues to work with law enforcement agencies to curb the criminal activities,”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sandiso Phaliso at GroundUp

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