CPF volunteers thwart cable thieves
Twelve Wierdabrug Sector 2 CPF members worked in the cold to prevent further damage after a suspected cable theft trench was reported by the community.
The CPF Wierdabrug Sector 2 in Rooihuiskraal and The Reeds thwarted suspected cable theft operations last week near the N14.
Following up on a report on the community security group on Wednesday, Sector 2 CPF members responded to the site where suspected preparations for cable theft were underway.
The CPF’s Mynhardt le Roux explained that they reached out to the ward councillor, who confirmed that the trenches were not the work of the metro.
“She requested for a team to go fill up before any theft or damage could occur,” said Le Roux.
“When no quick response was received from the metro team, CPF members decided to volunteer and go fill up the trenches as best as possible to prevent further intended damage.”
At just after 20:00, volunteers arrived at the site at the Rooihuiskraal Road bridge, set up lights and traffic cones for safety, and got to work filling the hole.
Le Roux said a group of 12 CPF volunteers led by Tinus Marais, the former sector chairperson, came together to work in the bitter cold.
“The ward 64 councillor notified us that unfortunately, the metro couldn’t send out a team to assist us due to limitations on allowed overtime.
So, the 12 Sector 2 CPF volunteers continued diligently shovelling and refilling the open trench with the dirt immediately available there until it was sufficiently covered up,” Le Roux said.
“The volunteers finished at about 21:25 quite tired and freezing from the cold, but satisfied that they did what was possible under the circumstances.”
Metro teams attended to the site early the next morning and completed the repairs.
Le Roux said helping out their community was extremely important to members of the CPF.
“[It] helps make a positive difference in uplifting our area in general and to ensure the best possible safe environment when and where possible.”
Ward councillor Alta de Kock said this was the second such incident in a month.
“Tshwane can only assist [the next day] to close the ditch properly. But luckily Wierdabrug CPF got a few volunteers together and they are closing the ditch now,” said De Kock.
Also read: Metro to power up Cussonia Avenue traffic lights
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