As South Africans try to keep warm the energy supplier, Eskom warns that the national grid is already under strain, especially in areas where illegal connections are common.

Eskom Spokesperson in Gauteng, Reneiloe Semenya, says: “Eskom has noted a rise in interruptions especially in residential areas. This is due to an exponential overload on the system where there’s illegal connections, meter bypass, and vandalism. We would like to appeal to residents to unplug or switch off because if we had to all do that we will be in position to meet high peak demand.

Johannesburg Emergency Services remains on high alert as the cold front persists.

On Sunday evening, at least 15 shacks were destroyed in an informal settlement in Alexandra.

EMS is urging residents not to leave heating devices unattended.

With winter finally here and the country already battling a global pandemic, South Africans should brace themselves for a dark frosty lockdown.

SABC News