Illegal electricity connections kill livestock

A live wire runs to illegally connected shacks in Phase 9, Wallacedene.

Two cows were electrocuted, in two separate incidents, by a live wire from an illegal electricity connection in Wallacedene.

A Kraaifontein farmer, who did not want to be named, fearing victimisation, says he saw both incidents. 

The live wire had been connected to a transformer and ran to newly built shacks in
Phase 9 that are encroaching on farmland.

The farmer said he had reported the first incident to Eskom on
Monday August 17. However, the next day yet another cow had been electrocuted
with its skin partly peeled off.

“Residents were here taking the meat to feed their families.
It’s a win-win situation. Free electricity and free food,” he said.

The farmer said he feared a child could be electrocuted by the live wire.

Eskom spokeswoman Trish da Silva said the illegal connections had been removed on
Wednesday August 19. Those found guilty of tampering with electricity infrastructure could face imprisonment or  a hefty fine, she said.

 “Illegal connections are extremely dangerous, especially to children
who run barefoot and those who are unaware of the danger,” she said.

Illegal connections could overload Eskom
transformers, causing power outages to paying customers, she said.

Eskom is appealing to communities to report theft to its toll-free hotline at 0800 11 27 22 or by SMSing 32211.
Callers can remain anonymous.