ESKOM in the Western Cape is worried about the tempering and illegal connections on its infrastructure by unauthorised people.
Regional manager Mbulelo Yedwa said some people have been breaking Eskom's low voltage kiosks' padlocks to access and illegally connect electricity.
"It's important to emphasise that tampering with Eskom's infrastructure constitutes a criminal offence," said Yedwa.
He, however, said besides being an offence, illegal connections cause damage to their infrastructure and to the community.
Yedwa said sometimes the people connecting with izinyoka switch the electricity on and off as they wish, causing damage to people's electric gadgets.
Residents from the Ramaphosa informal settlement told Daily Sun the only way for them to have electricity in their homes is through izinyokanyoka.
The residents said they've been living without electricity for more than 10 years, so they have no option.
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"If the government doesn't act to ensure that we have electricity, we won't stop connecting illegally. City of Cape Town has come to our area and disconnected us, but we keep on doing it again and again because that's the only option we have," said a resident (43).
Yedwa said those tampering with electricity infrastructure should know that when they get caught, they risk spending 15 to 20 years behind bars.
"These penalties underscore the seriousness of tampering with Eskom's electrical infrastructure and serve as a deterrent to those considering engaging in such activities," he said.
Yedwa is also calling on residents to report anyone they see tampering with electricity in their area to the authorities.
