Koeberg sabotage probe continues

Eskom says there is enough electricity to meet demand

Jackie Selebi, the national commisioner of police, says investigations into a group thought to be behind alleged sabotage at Koeberg nuclear power station in Cape Town are at a sensitive stage. His office was reacting to reports that an unknown organisation has claimed responsibility for the sabotage, in an email sent to a Johannesburg talk radio station.

The message expresses gratitude that businesses are now losing out because of power cuts in an economy where it claims the poor see no benefits. Yesterday, power supply in the Western Cape was again interrupted, when a trip in the transmission line resulted in the Koeberg power station shutting down.

Mayor shocked
Nomaindia Mfeketo, the Cape Town mayor, has expressed shock at the announcement that sabotage was suspected. Alec Erwin, the public enterprises minister, says individuals responsible for the alleged sabotage have been identified and a criminal probe is underway.

The DA said last night the allegations of sabotage on the eve of the election amounted to an abuse by Erwin of his office. Meanwhile, further power interruptions are expected today. Contingency plans are however in place.