POLOKWANE – Members of the night patrol in Seshego have asked residents who still have not joined their initiative, to do so before cable theft spills over in to other forms of crime.
Some areas, including parts of zones three, five and six are enveloped in darkness because of key power lines where cables have been stolen.
The perpetrators’ relentless ways seem to be a step ahead of efforts to replace the cables after Polokwane Mayor, John Mpe admitted that the municipality was not keeping up with the need and cost to replace cables, after already having spent R9.8m.
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Continuous cable theft, the municipality stated, leads to the delayed restoration of power to all affected areas.
Although municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala did not confirm this, sources who live in the affected areas said if calls are logged with the municipality regarding stolen cables, they were informed that the municipality had run out of certain parts or equipment needed to repair the lines, but was in the process of procuring these (which would explain why the area is still in the dark after such a lengthy time).
The night patrol team reiterated its call, in the wake of another break-in, at a creche located in the yard of Phuthaditshaba Lutheran church in Zone 3 recently, seeing that the perpetrators left the building with cables and water pipes.
Police have not been able to determine who this municipal property was sold to.
Limpopo Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Frans Kgasago made numerous calls for scrapyard businesses to refrain from doing business with those who sell cables.
Over the Easter weekend, a number of people were apprehended by officials monitoring adherence to municipal by-law officials, CPF members and the police for being in possession of suspected stolen cables.
“The police and the municipality cannot manage being in all of our areas at the same time. It is upon us, to elect a number of people in each area who will ensure our safety, until these criminals realise we are on their track. There are no lights and it is winter, and the next thing that will happen is that criminals will break down your door to rob you of your items, or to rape or even kill you. Anyone who is willing to join, is asked to contact their nearest CPF or the nearest police for administrative help.”
