Eskom: Man electrocuted at an Eskom substation in Babelegi, Tshwane

A 33-year-old man was electrocuted on Sunday, 10 October 2021 at Eskom’s Babelegi main substation in Tshwane. The matter is under investigation by Eskom and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Eskom’s preliminary investigation report indicated that an Eskom technician found the man hanging over the 11kV Bus Coupler isolator structure when he attended to a no supply call at the substation. It appears the deceased gained access to the substation through the broken locked gate meant to prevent unauthorised entry into the substation as the lock was found cut. The Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the SAPS Pathology Forensic Services declared the man dead on the scene.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. We are concerned about the increase in theft and vandalism of our infrastructure as these illegal activities have resulted in too many injuries and deaths. We have intensified our customer education to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal operations on our network as an intervention to reduce such illegal acts”, says Kith Maitisa, SHEQS Manager of Eskom in Gauteng

The power utility will continue to intensify its efforts to safeguard its assets by partnering with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that illegal activities are contained and avoided. Members of the public and individuals are further encouraged to report any persons interfering with the electricity network and those conducting any illegal activities, to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.