Copper thieves strike in Goodwood again

COPPER thieves have struck several times in Goodwood, stealing overhead electricity wires.

On Sunday, they apparently struck again, leaving several homes in the dark.

Some residents reported on social media that men in a white panel van, dressed as Eskom workers, climbed up an electricity pole with their own ladder and using walkie talkies.

Goodwood resident Nuhaa Laatoe said that although she and her family had woken up three times to blackouts, she wasn’t aware of who was responsible.

“We have experienced it occasionally though.”

Laatoe said the blackout would last about three hours.

Another Goodwood resident, Ryan Adams, said: “It’s happened twice to me and I constantly see people driving around in Eskom cars.”

Adams said that two days ago the community found out that there were teenagers stealing street light bulbs.

The City of Cape Town, however, said it had received no report of such an incident where overhead copper wire was stolen.

“The city is not aware of and has not been informed of such an incident,” safety and security; and social services mayoral committee member JP Smith said.

Smith added that “copper theft is rife throughout the city and the Metals Theft Unit has arrested numerous individuals in this regard”.

Residents are advised to contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline or the Metals Theft Unit on 0800 222 771. – marvin.charles@ inl.co.za