Two incidents of cable theft have been reported in the same street as the Linden Police Station in the last two weeks. Boundary Road, Robindale, is not as safe as one might expect, said about eight residents. Meeting on the street on 15 August, the day after the first theft occurred about 200m from the station, about eight residents congregated and discussed the situation while six City Power workers replaced the cables.
Later, Chairperson of the Linden Community Policing Forum Jadd Harding said that “a lot” of cable theft had occurred in Linden, Robindale and Robin Acres recently, and two incidents occurred in Boundary Road in the last two weeks. Linden Police spokesperson Carol Mulamu confirmed that 310m of overhead cable was stolen on 14 August, but could not confirm the second theft, as she was on leave recently.
All residents refused to give their names, for fear of being targeted by a cable theft syndicate they believe is operating in the area. “How is it possible that this happens under the noses of the police,” said one angry resident. “How close must the theft be before the cops do something?”
Some residents said that the frequent power failures caused by the thefts in the area make them feel unsafe, as their security systems go offline. This, despite them living in close proximity to the station. City Power spokesperson Sydney Mphahlele said that the utility is installing Aerial Bundle Conductor (ABC) cables across Johannesburg, including Linden, which are less prone to being stolen, a point reiterated by Ward 99 councillor Bruce Herbert.
Details: Linden police 011 888 9212; City Power 011 375 5555; Ward 99 councillor Bruce Herbert 083 274 3551.
