Eskom security contractor officer shot dead in Klipspruit Soweto
Tuesday, 18 January 2022: An Eskom-contracted security officer succumbed to head injuries on Thursday, 13 January 2022 after he and six of his colleagues were shot at by approximately 30 heavily armed suspects during an alleged attempt to steal copper cable outside the Eskom Klipspruit Customer Network Centre (CNC) in Soweto.
The seven security officers drove out of the Klipspruit CNC to return to their post at Mapetla substation when the armed suspects allegedly opened fire and fatally wounded one security officer. The incident happened on Tuesday, 11 January 2022 just before midnight. It is alleged that the suspects were attempting to steal the City Power copper cable when the team of seven security officers drove towards them. Other security officers managed to escape unharmed. “Eskom sympathises with the family of the deceased security officer and is deeply concerned about such criminal acts that cost the life of a breadwinner. Our role is to provide safe and reliable electricity to customers, however, such acts have a negative impact on us achieving this obligation. We will not compromise the safety of our employees and will therefore recall our employees should their safety be at risk,” says Kith Maitisa, SHEQS Manager in Gauteng.
Eskom continues to experience high incidents of theft and vandalism of its electricity infrastructure, which is beyond what Eskom can handle, even with all controls in place. This unfortunate incident took place during a campaign which Eskom has embarked on to create awareness on the impact of electricity infrastructure vandalism and theft on the security of supply. The power utility condemns these acts of criminality and requests members of the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest and the successful prosecution of those involved. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities anonymously to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22 (toll-free) or to the nearest police station. The case is under investigation by Eskom and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
ENDS
