SANDF deployed to watch over Eskom power stations

The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has been deployed to guard over various Eskom power stations from 7 April to 17 October 2023. 

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday, authorised the deployment of 880 members of the SANDF. 

PICTURE: pexels.com

According to The Presidency, the president informed the Speaker National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo, of the employment. 

In a statement, the president announced that the deployment of the SANDF will “assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in protecting Eskom power stations around the country where sabotage, theft and other crimes may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity.” 

This is the third time that the SANDF has been deployed to protect Eskom’s national power supply infrastructure. Previously, 2700 members of the SANDF were employed to assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations from 17 March to 17 April 2023.

The deployments were launched under Operation Prosper, as a means to combat cable theft, sabotage, and vandalism. 

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien