While Westdene residents are enduring the cold weather, cable theft just added to their woes.
The plight came to light on 15 June when two suspects were caught in the act of stealing cables in the Westdene substation in Lewis Street.
According to Westdene Community Patrol Frikki Botes, this is the second incident that has occurred in the community.
“The laundromat in Lewis alerted us to a breaking-in again at the substation,” he said.
Botes added that patrollers responded and caught suspects in the act of stripping the building.
He said the suspect used a socket spanner to gain entry into the substation.
“City Power must upgrade their security by these substations. Even a child can open their locks which is only a nut tightened. All cable thieves walk around with sockets sets to open these boxes,” said Botes. One of the community patrollers, Neilen Nunes who was responsible for arresting the culprit, said while waiting for the police to arrive, one person fled.
A case was opened at Sophiatown Police Station.
Warrant Officer TJ de Bruin, spokesperson for Sophiatown Police Station confirmed the incident that occurred.
“I can confirm the suspect is behind bars and we are investigating an incident of theft.”
Meanwhile, spokesperson for City Power Sydney Mphahlele said they do not have any record of the alleged cable theft that occurred in Lewis Street on the day, however they have put measures into place to deal with theft.
“City Power has partnered with SAPS and JMPD to combat cable theft,” said Mphahlele, adding that they are also conducting educational awareness in the communities that are affected by cable theft. Mphahlele also said the power utility has a patrol vehicle that does not cover a large area and makes it difficult to prevent every cable theft incident.
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