Not satisfied with just pieces of the pie, some have resorted to taking the whole kitchen.
Theft of essential electrical infrastructure has left residents fuming, City Power bewildered and authorities on high alert. Despite the power utility’s increased efforts to safeguard their assets, those wishing to profit off the inconveniencing of their community continue. A school in Fleurhof is currently without electricity after the entire mini-substation which feeds it was removed by thieves.
It is unknown exactly when the mini-substation, worth R500 000, was stolen but City Power is aware of the situation and a new unit has been ordered for re-installation. “We are aware of the theft that happened in Fleurhof last week where our mini-substation was stolen at night. The mini-sub supplies power to the nearby school which is the only customer currently affected,” confirmed City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena.
This is the second time the school has been forced to suffer a lengthy period without the vital education-assisting utility, with the last incident taking almost six weeks to resolve. “For security reasons we have decided to move the mini-sub from the location where it was stolen to around the school vicinity so that it is visible to the school security. We have been liaising with the school and the community to find solutions to protect the infrastructure, as the area is also susceptible to cable theft,” elaborated Mangena.
Removing and transporting an item such as a mini-substation comes with far greater logistical challenges than your average shoplifting mission. “I wish to appeal to the community to come forward with any information they may have regarding these incidents. It is vital that the community work closely with the Florida Police to bring the culprits to book,” pleaded Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn.
City Power confirmed that police were investigating the matter but prevention is key as the growing costs of forced infrastructure replacement is inevitably passed on to the consumer. Seemingly powerless and bemused, Cllr Finn said “It is extremely concerning that criminal acts such as this one continue to be committed. The loss of infrastructure to theft and vandalism has a massive impact on our community.”
