Ext 71 residents protect their power to help curb cable theft
Some home owners BONUS spoke to, say their efforts were necessitated out of having to spend weeks without electricity, especially in winter, because of cable theft.
POLOKWANE – Residents are called upon to do whatever they can to prevent cable theft, within the prescripts of the law.
Read more: Seshego residents urged to join nightly patrols to prevent cable theft
This is according to Polokwane energy provision mayoral committee member, Desmond Moloto who applauded efforts by residents to cover utility poles with corrugated iron to deter cable thieves from carrying out their operations.
Some home owners BONUS spoke to, say their efforts were necessitated out of having to spend weeks without electricity, especially in winter, because of cable theft.
Read more: Cable theft needs a collective solution
Oscar Modikwa, one of those who deviced this strategy says he had to wait for a month for cables close to his home to be repaired.
“I was told, as were other residents, that the municipality had ordered the materials necessary which ran out weeks prior to this incident, following incidents of theft and damage during load-shedding. Our efforts may not be legal but government needs to decide if it’s going to allow us to assist because we are the ones who suffer when municipal infrastructure is vandalised. I don’t want to fall victim to not having electricity again, especially in winter.”
Moloto says although the municipality is working on finding a contractor to protect cables and municipal police patrolling with community policing forums, they currently cannot occupy the entire township at once.
“We know it is not feasible in the long run, but let them do what they can legally. We will advertise for a suitable candidate to help us protect cables,” he added.
You might also want to read: Municipality’s struggles with cable theft leaves residents in the dark
In the last State of the City Address, Mayor John Mpe said the municipality was phasing in the use of cameras for increased surveillance in the 2023/24 financial year.
But cable thieves continue unabated despite the municipality’s efforts to stop the crime.
In one incident, on June 23, municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said Moloto and ward 28 councillor, Elliot Mamadi spotted a vehicle with occupants seemingly attempting to hide stolen cables.
“They approached the vehicle and found skinned cables in the boot.”
The three suspects were detained a per municipal bylaws and enforcement officers handed them over to the police.
