Eskom employee hijacked and held hostage in KZN
Eskom employee hijacked and held hostage in KZN! Authorities have launched an investigation after an Eskom employee was hijacked, held hostage, and left traumatized following a terrifying ordeal in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that the incident took place in Dlangubo, a rural area in the uMlalazi Local Municipality.
According to reports, the employee was driving an Eskom-issued bakkie when he was attacked by unknown suspects. The assailants hijacked the vehicle, held him against his will, and stripped the bakkie of its parts before eventually releasing him.
While the victim was physically unharmed, authorities say he was left deeply shaken by the traumatic event.
Eskom employee hijacked
Government Condemns Attack on Essential Workers
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, expressed serious concern about the rising attacks on essential service workers, warning that such incidents pose a threat to public service delivery.
“These acts of violence against essential workers, who are dedicated to serving our communities, are unacceptable and undermine our efforts to ensure reliable access to basic services like electricity and water,” Buthelezi stated.
He emphasized that when frontline and technical staff are targeted, it not only places their lives at risk but also disrupts their crucial work in ensuring that communities have access to electricity and other basic services.
“Our communities rely on these dedicated individuals, and we must ensure their safety so they can continue to provide these crucial services,” he added.
Buthelezi called on law enforcement agencies to take swift action in apprehending the perpetrators, emphasizing that those responsible for such crimes must face the full force of the law.
Eskom Confirms the Incident
State-owned power utility Eskom confirmed that the attack had been reported to the police, and an official investigation was underway.
Eskom also acknowledged the dangers faced by its employees, particularly those who work in remote or high-risk areas.
The company has, in recent years, strengthened security measures to protect its staff, but incidents like this highlight the ongoing threats to field workers responsible for maintaining the electricity network.
In a statement, Eskom reaffirmed its commitment to employee safety and urged law enforcement agencies to work tirelessly to bring the suspects to justice.
A Rising Trend of Attacks on Utility Workers
This latest hijacking is part of a concerning trend where essential service workers, including electricians, water maintenance crews, and paramedics, are increasingly becoming targets of crime.
In several parts of South Africa, utility employees have faced hijackings, armed robberies, and violent attacks while carrying out their duties.
Experts suggest that criminal syndicates may be targeting utility vehicles, as they often contain valuable equipment, tools, and parts that can be stripped and resold.
In 2023, multiple incidents were reported where Eskom technicians were attacked while responding to electricity faults, delaying critical repair work and leaving communities without power for extended periods.
Security analysts have warned that unless decisive action is taken, these attacks could escalate further, making it even more difficult to maintain reliable service delivery.
Calls for Greater Protection of Essential Workers
The attack on the Eskom employee has reignited calls for better security measures to protect frontline workers in the energy, water, and emergency response sectors.
Industry experts suggest that enhanced security strategies, including:
- Escorts for workers operating in high-risk areas
- Improved surveillance technology
- Stronger partnerships with law enforcement agencies
… could help reduce the risk of such crimes occurring.
Local community leaders have also urged residents to report suspicious activities and to cooperate with authorities to ensure that criminals do not operate with impunity.
“If we do not protect those who serve us, we will all suffer the consequences,” said a community activist from KwaZulu-Natal.
As the investigation into this hijacking continues, authorities remain hopeful that the suspects will be brought to justice and that stronger measures will be implemented to safeguard those who work tirelessly to keep South Africa running.
