A security officer employed by Eskom was shot earlier this week while escorting technicians in Mabopane, Tshwane, and sustained injuries as a result.
This is the third occasion where workers have been attacked and robbed while trying to ensure the supply of energy in Mabopane, according to the power company. Eskom added that it was troubling and disappointed that locals had organised and intimidated workers on the site who were performing repairs.
“It is concerning that our employees now require to be escorted while carrying out their duties to ensure that reliable supply of electricity is provided to the communities,” says Kith Maitisa, Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Security Manager in Gauteng.
Since then, Eskom has informed the Mabopane Police Station about the shooting of the security guard. The guard was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment for a gunshot wound and was released the following day.
The incident occurred, according to the utility, as Eskom employees were changing a wire to restore power in Mabopane Block D. Two armed individuals exited a four-person vehicle that had stopped next to the security guard, shot him, and took away his service weapon.
Eskom is forced to stop providing its services in areas where its employees are in danger and their safety is at risk.
Kith Maitisa, Eskom Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Security Manager said:
“While we condemn this violent behaviour meted against our employees and urge communities to refrain from such acts of criminality, we are grateful that this incident did not result in a loss of life and that our colleague is at least recovering at home”