Ladysmith: Vandalism of copper at electrical switch-houses

The statement says that :

• All circuit breaker panels and switch gear were vandalised and damaged.

• All cables were cut and burnt.

• All copper and earthing gear was stolen.

• The 500KVA was tripped and damaged.

• The windows were also broken.

 

A second incident occurred at the Steadville switch-house (located opposite Afrisam). The incident occurred on September 29 at about 5.30pm and the following was discovered:

• One of the circuit breakers was vandalised.

• All copper and earthing, operating handles, remote operating switches and earthing test props were vandalised and stolen.

 

The mini-substation at the corner of Palm and Cedar Street (located in Smartiesville) was broken into and all operating mechanisms were stolen.

 

Due to the high rate of vandalism, the electricity supply to the above areas cannot be guaranteed.

 

The municipality is requesting the community to be vigilant and report all suspicious individuals and their behaviour around municipal substations either by calling Public Safety on 0366311777 (24 hours) or the Electricity Section on 0366376905 during working hours.

 

Incidents of this nature can also be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at all times (24 hours).

 

Also read: Ladysmith: Municipality issues plea to keep town clean

 

The municipal manager has assigned Executive Director: Technical & Infrastructural Services Mr RH Mazibuko to lead a team of technicians to conduct an assessment and strategise towards developing mechanisms to safeguard these electrical substations to prevent these incidents.

 

The municipal team alone cannot win this battle; we need the broader society to assist us in every way possible to safeguard these substations and switch-houses.