SA president deploys 880 soldiers to guard power stations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 880 soldiers to protect the power stations of the country's power utility Eskom, said the Presidency Saturday, reported Xinhua.

"Members of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) employed will assist the South African Police Service in protecting Eskom power stations around the country where sabotage, theft and other crimes may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity," the Presidency said in a statement.

The employment of the 880 soldiers started April 17 and will last until Oct. 17, 2023, according to the Presidency.

The country employed 2,700 members of the SANDF to assist the police in protecting Eskom power stations from March 17 to April 17.

The moves came as Eskom's power stations have been affected by sabotage and theft. South Africa has been experiencing a severe electricity crisis, with current load shedding or power cuts reaching more than 8 hours a day.