Frustration over the disconnection drive in Soweto has taken a new turn after residents reconnected themselves to the grid.

The Sowetan Live reports that the areas, which were cut off by Eskom for nonpayment, include Mapetla, Rockville, White City, Central Western Jabavu and Dlamini.

Electrical boxes supplying the areas with power are now guarded by groups of residents armed with whistles to ensure that Eskom employees do not return to disconnect their power.

According to the Sowetan Live residents said each household contributed money, refusing to say how much, and a group of electricians from Sebokeng in the Vaal were apparently paid to reconnect them.

“We got ourselves a man without a face and name. He came with his team and they worked on the box,” a resident told the Sowetan Live.

“They worked from 8pm till midnight. They could not work during the day for obvious reasons. We can’t tell you how much we paid these people.”

Residents said they held a number of meetings to try and resolve their problems and they agreed the best route was to reconnect illegally.

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