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Eskom official removing an illegal connection.
Disgruntled residents of Westford informal settlement and Azania informal settlement say they have been living under dangerous conditions due to illegal electricity connections.
Residents say the connections have turned streets into hazardous areas, with more than ten people, including children, reported to have died from electrocution.
They say that despite repeated calls for intervention, their concerns have not been addressed by the municipality.
Residents say the situation has worsened over time, with fatalities recorded in both 2025 and 2026.
“Why don’t they give us temporary electricity? They can see that the death toll of last year, 2025 and this year has escalated to 14 people. Approximately 11 have passed on due to illegal electricity, and 3 have been injured… people are losing their lives, it’s been decades, and we have been pledging and submitting memorandums to the municipality so that they can help us with electricity.”
Community members say they continue to call for safer electricity solutions to prevent further loss of life.
City of Tshwane nears completion of Westford Electrification Project to benefit informal settlements. @CityTshwane @MMCBoshielo pic.twitter.com/m17z8tcCKP
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) May 5, 2026
Following a productive meeting with Westford community leaders , I proceeded to the project site in Westford alongside Ward 7 Councillor, Cllr Mashola , officials from the Energy & Electricity Business Unit , the appointed contractor , and SABC.
We officially handed over the… pic.twitter.com/EuPYCOwfUx
— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) May 5, 2026
