Tons of tangled electrical cables, which were illegally connected by residents from various informal settlements in Boksburg, were cut and removed during an operation this morning, November 26.
The operation started as early as 3am and lasted until 10am.
Targeted areas where Knights, Jerusalem and Angelo informal settlements.
Thousands of residents from Knights, Jerusalem and Angelo were allegedly stealing electricity from the municipality by means of illegal connections to their shacks.
To clamp down on the issue, workers employed by the Ekurhuleni Electricity Department left no stone unturned as they took out cables which were dug under the soil in every street.
The illegal connections were also removed from lamp posts and electricity boxes.
Members of the SAPS, EMPD and the Mokopane Risk Solutions were also present during the operation to control the tame community members.
While the operation was ongoing frustrated residents stood in awe as they watched the municipal workers taking out the cables.
According to a resident from Angelo, who identified himself as Lebai, said he was very angry that the municipality took out the cables because they won’t be able to cook and watch television.
Another resident complained that they have been told lies by the Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina that he will electrify their area this year, which has not happened.
He further stated that they were too tired of waiting for the municipality that is why they resorted to connecting their own electricity.
Other community members said they won’t vote on the next coming elections because the metro is taking them for a ride.
Meanwhile, the Advertiser recently reported a story about a concerned Boksburg resident who was struggling to get his complaints about illegal cable connections attended to along Main Reef Road, between Lorant and Field streets.
The resident who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted that the illegal connections are hazardous, especially in the rainy season and can cause electrocution.
It is also understood protests have broken out in Jerusalem informal settlement.
The Advertiser has sought comment from the municipality about the operation.
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