Tshwane Metro Police Confiscate R800,000 Worth of Transformers in Illegal Electricity Crackdown
Tshwane, South Africa – The Tshwane Metro Police and Electricity departments seized multiple transformers valued at R800,000 from the Marry Me informal settlement in a targeted operation aimed at curbing illegal electricity connections, according to the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Operation Targets Illegal Connections and Crime Hotspots
The raid was part of a broader initiative to reduce crime, enforce regulations, and enhance visible policing in high-risk areas. Authorities emphasized the dangers of unauthorized electricity connections, which pose severe safety risks and disrupt essential services.
“Illegal electricity connections are not only unlawful but also extremely dangerous,” SAPS stated. “These makeshift setups frequently cause electrical fires, electrocution hazards, and overburden the power grid, leading to widespread outages that affect clinics, schools, and businesses.”
Residents were urged to report illegal connections, as they endanger lives and hinder legitimate service delivery.
Eskom Warns of Overloading and Infrastructure Damage
Eskom has identified illegal connections as a major contributor to load reduction in certain areas due to excessive demand. Overloading can cause transformer explosions and widespread power failures.
“Disproportionate electricity demand on localized networks damages infrastructure,” said Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena. “As a result, power is cut in affected areas during peak hours.”
Schools Affected by Illegal Connections
Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa highlighted how illegal connections have repeatedly disrupted power at schools in the Western Cape. At Inkazimlo Primary School, unauthorized hookups from nearby informal settlements caused frequent faults, blowing low-voltage fuses and cutting electricity.
“We are exploring relocating the transformer to the school premises to prevent further disruptions,” Ramokgopa said, citing a successful similar intervention at Noxolo Xauka Primary School.
Eskom Deploys SAPS for High-Risk Disconnections
Due to violent resistance from communities protecting illegal connections, Eskom now requires SAPS escorts for technicians working in high-risk zones.
“Security assessments are conducted before operations,” Ramokgopa explained. “Once risks are evaluated, SAPS mobilizes resources to ensure safety.”
Major Raid Uncovers R6.6 Million Electricity Theft
In December 2024, Eskom, City Power, and law enforcement dismantled a large-scale illegal electricity operation in Leeupoort, Gauteng. The farm-based scheme supplied power to over 600 households using stolen equipment, costing Eskom R6.6 million in lost revenue.
“Stolen transformers and meter boxes were recovered, and a suspect was charged with infrastructure tampering and illegal electricity resale,” Eskom confirmed.