The absence of electricity has also contributed to the increased crime in the area, according to Mokoele.

“We no longer go outside at night because crime has risen more than before. People are being robbed at knifepoint and some are being shot,” he said.

Another rental business owner in the area, Edward Masoga, 55, denied using illegal electricity, claiming that he purchased electricity from legal vendors.

He also expressed concern about the rising crime, particularly theft of electricity cables and broken circuits.

“Crime is getting worse at night, with stolen electricity cables and broken circuits in some houses. The worst part is that there’s no network reception on the phones, so poor people are suffering painfully,” Masoga said.

In response to IOL News queries, Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said the power utility has begun the process of restoring power in some areas where the 60% of affected customers have paid the initial R500.

“We are currently busy with the installation of smart meters and pole top boxes for the customers who have reached the 60% threshold.”

But she said she was unable to provide the estimated timeline for the completion.

“At this stage we are unable to estimate when work will be concluded. We are constantly providing updates to the councillor and the customers who have reached the 60% threshold,” Qithi told IOL News.

Qithi also clarified that work has only started in parts of Extension 2 and 6 where the 60% threshold has been met.

She refuted claims that residents in some parts of Extension 6 had reached the threshold.

“Work has commenced in the Extension 2 and 6 that have reached the 60% threshold.”

When asked how many households were previously receiving power through the illegally connected transformers, Qithi said that the information is unavailable.

“The information is not available as these were illegally connected households and not linked to Eskom systems,” she added.

simon.majadibodu@africannewsagency.com

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