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Eskom has temporarily suspended its services in Voorbrug, Delft, Cape Town, after its employees were attacked during a maintenance operation. (William Horne/Netwerk24)
- Eskom has temporally suspended serviced in Voorbrug, Delft after employees were attacked.
- The power utility said employee safety was a priority.
- Police registered a malicious damage to property case.
Power utility Eskom has withdrawn its services in Zandkloof Avenue, Delft, Cape Town, following an attack on one of its employees over the weekend.
Eskom said employees who went to the area to carry out maintenance work on Saturday were "harassed, hit with a brick, and attacked by a dog".
General manager Mbulelo Yedwa said: "The safety of our staff will remain our highest priority. We urge communities to play their part in ensuring that operators work in safe environments while attending to faults."
The power utility added that Eskom officials engaged with the ward councillor, community leadership, community members, security, and local law enforcement to discuss the way forward.
"Unfortunately, this will result in delayed electricity restoration efforts to customers affected by faults in Voorbrug, Delft. Eskom strongly condemns harassment and any form of violence against our employees," Yedwa said.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Delft police registered a malicious damage to property case for investigation.
"According to reports, the complainant attended a callout when they came under attack."
It is alleged that stones were thrown at them.
Twigg added:
The company vehicle was damaged, and one of the workers sustained injuries to his body. The suspects are yet to be arrested.
Anyone who has information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Last week Eskom resumed operations in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, more than a week after their staff were robbed of their belongings and service vehicle at gunpoint on 5 September.
"We have already commenced work in the area in resolving medium voltage faults. We are currently addressing issues with the electricity supply and require assistance from the SAPS and security services for these repairs," it said.
READ | 'Unfair to our people': Eskom withdraws services in Khayelitsha after employees robbed at gunpoint
The power utility added that police were committed to providing Eskom with assistance from their teams every Wednesday and Thursday.
"Eskom is still collaborating with the Makhaza community leadership to gain more support for increased days of services for the area.
"However, Eskom is committed to promptly addressing major emergencies in collaboration with SAPS, as well as attending to issues weekly in line with SAPS commitments."
