Known suspect stealing City Power infrastructure in Northcliff and surrounds is finally caught.
A well-known suspected fuse and cable thief has been caught after causing headaches for City Power in Northcliff and surrounds for months.
A man accused of being ‘the most wanted for theft from substations in the greater Northcliff area’ has finally been arrested.
Edzard Bosh, a resident of Brigish Drive in Northcliff approached the substation on June 16, after firstly, his neighbours’ and then a short time later, his power went off. Being a qualified engineer, he knew ‘something fishy’ was happening.
“I approached the substation, heard someone inside and opened the door. I found a man busy pulling the fuses and cables,” said Bosh who quietly pushed his panic button alerting SCP Security who arrived immediately to detain the man. He had a makeshift knife but no opportunity to use it.
Clive Maher of SCP Security said, “All the substations that have been targeted in the past two months were tampered with by this well-known individual who has stolen fuses from City Power infrastructure on Frederick Drive, Senior Drive, Acacia Road, Mimosa Road and now Brigish Drive.”
Maher said it was ‘dangerous to steal from substations unless you know what you are doing’. The man in question has adequate skills for the job as he used to work in the mines in Randfontein so is familiar with electricity and appliances.
He said investigations were at an advanced stage to catch the man who has been buying copper, fuses and other equipment stolen from City Power infrastructure by the arrested individual.
Spokesperson for Fairland SAPS Sergeant Michael Kgatla confirmed the arrest. “He was detained and remains in custody.”
City Power arrived and laid a charge of tampering with state infrastructure.
The substation was locked and secured by SCP Security with ‘additional patrols on alert for this and the other stations we monitor,’ said Maher.
SCP Security and Let’s Work, a local community organisation, have been actively securing and cleaning substations for the last few years. The need for more substations to be secured has grown tremendously and they are working hand in hand with City Power on a sustainable security plan for all substations and other infrastructure in the area.
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