Eskom loses R221m to infrastructure theft and vandalism as criminals strip pylons and transformers
Theft and vandalism cost Eskom R221m in 11 months - down from R271m - as criminals strip pylon steel, siphon transformer oil and throw chains onto lines to cause flashovers.
Infrastructure vandalism and theft cost Eskom approximately R221 million between 1 April 2024 and 28 February 2025, down from R271 million in the same period the previous year, Eyewitness News reported. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed the figures, noting an overall decline in incidents.
Targeted infrastructure includes mini-substations, high-voltage pylons and transformers. Eskom flagged emerging criminal patterns including removal of pylon steel structures, illegal sand mining around pylons, transformer oil siphoning, and chains or wires thrown onto power lines causing flashovers.
Six suspects were arrested in an intelligence-driven police operation in KwaZulu-Natal, with R1.5 million in stolen Eskom property recovered; they appeared in the Ngwelezane Magistrate's Court in April 2025.
Eskom credited increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies and improved security measures for the reduction in losses.
"Vandalism results in unplanned power outages, often leaving homes and businesses without electricity for extended periods," said Monde Bala, Eskom group executive for distribution.
Source: Eyewitness News, 10 April 2025 - ewn.co.za (also: engineeringnews.co.za)
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