Eskom is intensifying its collaboration with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to address an alarming increase in violent crimes targeting its employees, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
The power utility has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a “rising wave” of attacks, warning that escalating violence poses severe risks to its staff and compromises its ability to maintain essential services in affected areas.
“Although there was a decline in such incidents earlier in the financial year, attacks have spiked significantly since October 2024, especially impacting the Eastern Cape. Eskom remains dedicated to improving security measures but will suspend operations in any area where the safety of our employees is at risk. Ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and our personnel is an immediate priority,” Eskom stated.
Since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, the company has recorded at least 14 armed robberies and five vehicle hijackings involving its employees.
One notably severe incident occurred on 4 January 2025 near Tsolo Junction on the N2 highway, where an Eskom employee was shot during a car hijacking and robbed of personal belongings. Employees working at electrification sites and those commuting have been most vulnerable, particularly in regions such as Mbodlana Village, uMthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo.
“These criminals are employing extreme violence, wielding firearms, hijacking both company and personal vehicles, forcing employees to transfer money, and even physically restraining them. Such threats expose Eskom personnel to serious risks, including severe injury or death, while performing their essential duties,” the utility explained.
The impact of these attacks extends beyond individual safety concerns, Eskom emphasized.
“These incidents lead to the degradation of public infrastructure, threaten energy security, disrupt the electricity supply, cause financial setbacks, and create unsafe working conditions for our staff. Eskom unequivocally condemns these violent acts and is actively working with NATJOINTS to mitigate this crisis.”
However, Eskom warned that if attacks continue unabated, it may be compelled to withdraw technicians from high-risk locations, which would inevitably result in extended power outages and severe service disruptions, adversely affecting local communities and businesses.
“The safety and well-being of Eskom employees are non-negotiable,” Eskom emphasized.
Eskom urges community members to report any relevant information regarding these attacks by contacting the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
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