Higher load-shedding stages sees increase in crime levels

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As South African continues to struggle with stage 6 load-shedding, security company Crime Busters says its seeing high levels of crime.

Eskom announced the implementation of stage 6 on Sunday attributing the higher stages to the breakdown of several generating units.

The power utility said two units at Lethabo and Matla power stations will need to be shut down for further repairs.

“Breakdown are currently at 16 210 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 894 MW.

#POWERALERT1

Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Tuesday until further notice pic.twitter.com/S9rxax7fXD

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 4, 2023

“Since Sunday, a generating unit each at Kriel and Medupi power stations was taken offline for repairs. In the same period a generating unit at Arnot, Kendal and Lethabo power stations were returned to service.

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“The delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Hendrina and Tutuka power stations is also contributing to the current capacity constraints,” the statement read.

Crime Busters take on rolling blackouts

Crime Busters’ Jodie Moore says the rolling blackouts are also hampering its work.

“This is a good opportunity for them [criminals] to strike especially the four hours that generators are running out, converters and batteries run flat. So, they know that the lines are not working and people are more vulnerable. It is a very bad position to be in”.