Attempted cable theft results in an hours-long power outage.
City of Johannesburg MMC of Environment and Infrastructure Services Mpho Moerane has expressed concern over the increase in the number of electricity cable theft incidents across the City. “Since the start of the current financial year, cables worth over R14 million were stolen, plunging many suburbs into darkness for many days, some for weeks. This excludes the cost to the actual repair work to the infrastructure and material.”
The suburb of East Town is one of many where cable theft resulted in an over 30 hours-long power outage and a suspect being hospitalised. According to City Power, the 21 January cable theft incident resulted in three mini-substations being offline after the suspect had been electrocuted while allegedly stealing cable in a mini-substation on the corner of Milner and East Street, East Town. On the very same day, 10 other cable theft incidents were reported, along with an additional six reported the following day.
ER24 paramedics responded to the incident and stated that the suspect was in a critical condition after being electrocuted. They arrived on the scene a few minutes after the incident to find the man lying against a boundary wall. Medics assessed the man and found that he had sustained significant burn wounds, leaving him in a critical condition. The man was treated for his injuries and provided with advanced life support interventions before he was transported to a provincial hospital for further care.
City Power had opened a case with the police against the suspect which brings the total of arrested cable theft suspects to 41 between July 2020 and 21 January 2021 with two being arrested this month so far and 11 in December. Moerane has called on the police, Metro police, neighbourhood watches, and community policing forums to join hands with City Power to assist to curb the scourge. He expressed, “Cable theft not only costs the City millions in lost revenue, but it also inconveniences customers and businesses, especially small business, during a time when the country is experiencing Covid-19 restrictions.”
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activity involving City Power infrastructure and services.
Residents are urged to be vigilant and report any vandalism or cable theft to 0800 002 587.
