Shocking theft of electricity in Comet Village, New Married Quarters
When one drives through Comet Village and the area called New Married Quarters, illegally connected electricity cables are evident everywhere.
This is what the Advertiser recently saw on a visit to these areas.
Trenches have been dug in the road and on the sidewalks to hide the cables, but they are often still clearly visible.
There are cables in the road, on the sidewalk, in open fields, cables running from one property to another and cables entering houses through the roof or the window.
Cables have been connected roughly and untidily, with wires clearly visible.
A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, informed us about electricity theft taking place there.
“Not only is this illegal, but someone is going to get killed as the cables have been connected dangerously,” the resident said.
The resident has complained to the police but nothing has come of this.
“Surely the Ekurhuleni metro is aware of this. Ratepayers are having to tighten up and pay for these residents’ electricity,” the concerned resident said.
Ward 33 Clr Ashley Hoods said he wouldn’t be surprised if metro officials or contractors were assisting with the illegal connections for a fee.
“We often hear from residents that Ekurhuleni metro officials or contractors from the department of energy assist or collaborate with residents to have electricity connected illegally,” he explained.
“We’ve also heard that technicians from other metros conduct this illegal activity in Ekurhuleni.
“Since there is no electricity in Comet Village, except for solar lighting, it is clear that people with know-how about electricity connections are behind this.
“They would have to connect to the nearest source which could be a distance away. It is absolutely shocking.”
He added that he is aware of a project underway which is meant to electrify Comet Village.
“Perhaps this will end most of the illegal connections in that area.”
The Advertiser contacted the Ekurhuleni metro for comment, but has not received a response yet.
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