An investigation is under way after an Eskom employee was hijacked and held hostage by suspects who stripped the bakkie he was driving.
According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KwaZulu-Natal, the employee was in Dlangubo in the uMlalazi Local Municipality when he was hijacked and taken.
"The vehicle was stripped of its parts. The employee was left traumatised by his experience," MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said.
He further expressed concern for the ongoing attacks on essential service workers.
"These acts of violence against essential workers, who are dedicated to serving our communities, are unacceptable and undermine our efforts to ensure reliable access to basic services like electricity and water," he said.
Buthelezi said when these frontline and technical staff are targeted, they are not only personally affected, but it also disrupts the vital work they do to keep the lights on and the water flowing for all residents.
"Our communities rely on these dedicated individuals, and we must ensure their safety so they can continue to provide these crucial services," he said.
Eskom confirmed the incident, adding that the matter was reported to the police and is under investigation.