Eskom technicians removing an illegally installed transformer in Lion Park outside Pietermaritzburg last week.
Eskom confiscated 49 transformers and more than 20,000 metres of copper cables that residents of Lion Park in Pietermaritzburg had used to steal power following the removal of illegal electricity connections.
Eskom Industry and Stakeholder Management Manager Joyce Zingoni released an update on Friday on the illegal electricity disconnection operation, which was conducted on July 15 and 16.
“The operation was the culmination of intensive stakeholder engagement and careful planning,” said Zingoni.
When the Eskom team arrived in the area on July 15, accompanied by heavily armed SAPS and private security officers, residents were already protesting and had blocked the MR477, the only road into the village, which is made up of high-standard mansions, with burning debris and stones.
