South Africa’s national power utility, Eskom, working alongside law enforcement agencies, has taken down 42 transformers that were illegally linked to its electricity network in Zandspruit, within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
The operation took place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with support from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Eskom’s Group Investigations and Security Unit, and Venus Security Solutions.
Eskom stated that the confiscated transformers are valued at approximately R2.84 million and noted that many of these units are often stolen from Eskom or municipal networks before being illegally connected to homes or businesses.
The utility warned that unauthorised connections pose serious dangers, including the risk of electrocution, fires, and other accidents, and also contribute to non-technical electricity losses. Eskom stressed that only licensed technicians are permitted to work on its network.
The company added that the operation demonstrates its ongoing commitment, in partnership with law enforcement, to protect electricity infrastructure, reduce theft, and educate communities on the risks of illegal connections.
Eskom urged residents to report any suspected electricity theft or illegal connections to the utility or the nearest police station, emphasising that collective vigilance is key to safeguarding lives and ensuring a reliable power supply.