Eskom has withdrawn its staff from Site B in Khayelitsha following a violent attack on Monday.
In a statement, Eskom said two of its employees were attacked by members of the community during operations in the X and XA sections on Site B.
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Their car keys were also allegedly taken, preventing them from completing their work.
According to the utility, one of the staff members ‘sustained severe injuries’ and had to receive medical attention. ‘During the incident, an Eskom enterprise digital assistant (a specialised mobile computing device) was also taken along with the keys, however, only the vehicle keys have been recovered,’ it said.
As reported by News24, the temporary suspension of services will likely delay electricity restoration efforts. As a result, customers may experience prolonged electricity outages.
‘Eskom will be working closely with local authorities while reviewing the incident before deciding when staff may re-enter the area to resume operations,’ the utility added.
‘Eskom strongly condemns the harassment of its employees, and their safety will always remain our highest priority.’
The company withdrew its services from the area on several occasions due to violent attacks on its employees.
The previous incident occurred in August 2023, when the utility had to suspend its services in Khayelitsha, Delft, Belhar, Dunoon, Philippi and Fisantekraal after one of its vehicles was petrol-bombed during a taxi strike.
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Picture: Eskom Hld SOC Ltd / Facebook