Cable theft: 170 cases reported in just one week

What seems to be an organised syndicate of cable thieves in the city according to Mayor John Mpe, may have the vision to disrupt economic progress in the city.

But vigorous police intelligence teams are said to be investigating the matter closely to determine who the perpetrators of this crime are.

All municipal areas including the inner city, suburbs, the townships on the outskirts and some villages have been greatly affected with some areas having to wait as long as two weeks for cables to be replaced, the municipality recently said in a statement.

One disgruntled Westenburg group mentioned to Polokwane Observer that it was difficult to cope with the rate at which cables were being stolen, to the point where street lights remained faulty and sizable portions of the township were completely dark at night.

On November 23, the municipality’s Thipa Selala announced that the municipality was struggling to cope with replacing stolen cables at the rate it is stolen, with

170 cases of such theft recorded that week alone across the police stations to which the municipality supplies power.

Mpe mentioned Luthuli Park, the extensions and Seshego - the city’s biggest townships - being of particular concern. Street lights and traffic lights in the inner city have also not been spared.

While cable theft does disrupt households, it is the small, medium and micro enterprises that bear the brunt on top of what would have ordinarily been a few hours of loadshedding based on pre-planned schedules.

Many have opted for generators as a backup alternative.

In the meantime, all electrical wiring in the affected areas should be considered as live to avoid injury and all electrical appliances must be switched off to avoid damage when the electricity supply is restored.

“Residents are urged to report cable theft to the municipality’s By-Law Enforcement Office at 015 290 2458, to the police’s 24hour Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to the Eskom crime line at 0800 11 27

22. The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and will do everything possible to ensure electricity is restored to all affected customers,” a statement reads.

Numbers: Municipal Call Centre: 015 023 5000 / 015 290 2000/2458.

Electrical Helpline: 015 290 2490.