Eskom in NW reports sharp increase in infrastructure vandalism

Eskom in the North West says it has reported a sharp increase in infrastructure vandalism in Mahikeng and Mmabatho areas, with the most recent incident targeting the Top Village substation.

According to provincial Eskom spokesperson Ezekiel Baruti, the vandalism has severely impacted power supply in the region, raising concerns about potential widespread outages.

Baruti says during a site visit to Seremane and Top Village areas, Eskom contractors were reportedly intimidated and extorted by individuals claiming to be part of the so-called “construction mafia”.

“Eskom strongly condemns these acts of vandalism which has caused not only substantial financial losses, but also disruption to essential services in the areas affected. Communities are as to report all acts of vandalism and theft to Eskom as well as law enforcement agencies,” Baruti elaborates.