An Eskom employee was recently hijacked and held hostage by a group of suspects while driving a bakkie in the KwaZulu-Natal area. The incident unfolded in Dlangubo, within the uMlalazi Local Municipality, where the employee was forcibly taken and the vehicle was stripped of its parts. The traumatised employee was left shaken by the ordeal, according to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cogta, voiced his deep concern about the escalating violence against essential service workers, underscoring the devastating impact such crimes have on both the victims and the communities they serve. He emphasized the vital role these workers play in ensuring that services like electricity and water continue to flow. Attacks on these frontline staff not only affect their personal well-being but also disrupt the critical services that residents rely on every day.
Buthelezi made it clear that these acts of violence are unacceptable and severely hinder efforts to maintain the delivery of essential services. “Our communities rely on these dedicated individuals, and we must ensure their safety so they can continue to provide these crucial services,” he stated.
In response, Eskom has confirmed the hijacking and has reported the incident to the police, who are now investigating the matter. This attack highlights the growing threats facing essential workers, prompting a renewed focus on their protection and the urgent need to address this alarming trend of violence.
