Eskom technicians attacked in Soweto, vehicles damaged
Power utility Eskom says it has withdrawn its services from Orlando East in Soweto, south of Johannesburg, after its technicians were attacked by community members on Thursday.
Technicians were busy disconnecting power supply from non-paying residents when they were attacked.
No injuries were reported but Eskom vehicles were damaged.
"Services will resume when the power utility deems it safe for its employees to work in the area.
“Our employees were conducting disconnections for non-payment in the area when they were attacked by violent members of the community who in the process, also damaged our vehicles," said Eskom in Gauteng’s Daphne Mokwena.
"The safety of Eskom employees remains a major concern at this stage, and the matter has been reported to the police for further investigation.
Soweto residents are still waged in a bitter battle with Eskom, calling for the power utility to introduce a flat rate for low-income households who cannot afford to pay for electricity.
Eskom is battling to recover debt from some electricity users with Soweto residents allegedly owing billions, despite previous debts being scrapped with an agreement that customers will start paying.
ALSO READ:
