The City of Ekurhuleni has condemned the shooting of an on-duty electrician in Boksburg on Saturday night.

In a statement on Sunday, the City said the employee was responding to a multiple power outage in the area when he was shot and robbed at a substation in Dayanglen at around 8pm. The employee had to be rushed to hospital where he is recovering.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said they were grateful the electrician survived the incident.

“This city strongly condemns the senseless attack on a man who left the comfort of his home and his family on a Saturday night to assist the community, only to be attacked by senseless thugs. These unfortunate incidents are becoming a major problem. In fact, our workers are now reluctant and even refusing to attend to power outages at night because of these acts of criminality.

“The employees’ behaviour is quite understandable because this job is turning out to be life-threatening. The unfortunate part is that this means that our customers and residents alike will now have to deal with extended power outages,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini added that the incident forced the team to withdraw from the electricity restoration process leaving Morganridge, Davanglen and Boksburg West without power for the whole of last night. ork resumed this morning.

“While we remain committed to render quality and sustainable services at all times, such incidents of criminality derail our efforts. We therefore implore our communities to assist in the protection of these employees because they are performing a critical task.

“We have people who need electricity for survival, and without it they can die. Unfortunately, the criminals care less about that,” Dlamini said.

The City has urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to forward such information to the police for further processing and investigation on 08600 10111.

Source: South African Government News Agency