Dozens of households in Tshakhuma have been without electricity for nearly a month after power cables were stolen, plunging parts of the area into darkness. At least 50 homes across six villages – including Lukau, Makavhani, Maungani and surrounding areas – have been affected.
Residents say the theft has disrupted daily life, caused food to spoil and made it difficult for learners to study in the evenings. Some villages have been grappling with cable theft since December 2024. The community held a meeting on 10 July after several areas were affected by the ongoing incidents.
"We are left in the dark and now rely on candles since the cable was stolen. My biggest worry is that I have medication that needs to be refrigerated. My children also have to study by candlelight," said Ms Mashudu Makhuba from Tshitavhadulu, one of the affected households.
Some residents are now paying neighbours in unaffected areas to charge their phones and iron clothes. Mr Thomas Ligaraba, chairperson of the Tshakhuma Community Development Service Delivery Forum, said the forum had met with Eskom and residents, following the incident. "The situation is very tough. We urge residents to report any suspects. Our community is in the dark, and it's affecting everyone," he said.
Ms Lindelani Mabela, spokesperson for Eskom's Thohoyandou office, said the utility was aware of and actively addressing the cable-theft incidents.
On Saturday, 19 July, Eskom met with the Tshakhuma community, advising customers to report individual cases. Affected households were required to open cable-theft cases at the local police station and report the stolen cables to Eskom to obtain reference numbers. Once logged, Eskom creates work orders, approves them and dispatches technicians to carry out repairs.
Mabela said Eskom had educated customers on electricity safety, the importance of reporting illegal connections, and how to use the available reporting channels. She added that stolen cables had been ordered and were now in stock. "Technicians are actively replacing cables for those customers who have reported the theft," she said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the police in Levubu are investigating a case of damage to essential infrastructure after 19 households in Tshakhuma's Tshitavhadulu section were affected. "The suspects are currently unknown. Anyone with information that could assist the police can contact the investigating officer, Sgt Mashudu Manari, on 082 319 9622. Police investigations are ongoing," he said.