Eskom has warned political parties to keep their election posters off electrical structures. Picture Henk Kruger/African News Agency(ANA)(ANATOPIX)
Eskom has cautioned political parties campaigning ahead of the May 29 general elections against putting up posters on electrical structures due to the risk of electrocution.
“In the past, there have unfortunately been incidents where persons have been electrocuted or shocked when putting up these posters," the electricity provider said in a statement warning against placing the posters on electricity poles, electricity towers, meter boxes and mini substations.
"Electricity is invisible to the naked eye, and the risk is that when someone gets close to or touches them it may result in an inadvertent flash-over or electrical contact. This can cause serious injuries to the person or even be fatal.”
Only authorised personnel were permitted to climb or work on these electrical structures, Eskom said.
Putting posters on electrical structures was not only against the law, it also put lives at risk, Eskom said.