Since copper has several features that attract criminals, copper theft has become a growing trend in the country, especially in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the entity is now responding to the call by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services for the reduction in copper cable theft and vandalism by 20% in the next six months.
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Mangena went on to say that in a period of six days, multiple arrests have been made in various areas – from Manufacta to Kempton Park. In the statement he elaborated on various cases within and outside Roodepoort.
“On Sunday morning January 9 the Roodepoort West community in collaboration with the sector policing forum arrested someone who was digging up City Power cables along the Roodepoort Sports Club on Exner Street. Local police were called to the scene and the person was arrested. A criminal case of tampering with essential infrastructure was registered with the police,” he said.
The cable the person was tampering with distributes electricity to a mini-substation which supplies electricity to 25 customers. Had the person succeeded in stealing the copper cable these customers would have been plunged into darkness.
On the same night, two copper cable thieves damaged a pole-to-ground supply cable on Weilbach Street in Hamberg. They allegedly cut off the cable with the intention to steal it. The incident resulted in an explosion which scared off the thugs.
It is believed a vigilant customer spotted two people fleeing the scene of the crime. Another member of the community came forward with CCTV footage showing the person damaging the electricity network. A case of damage to essential infrastructure was opened at Florida Police Station.
According to Mangena the thugs are known in the area and their arrest is imminent. About five customers suffered an electricity outage due to these criminal acts.
Also read: Power utility cracks down on cable theft
“On January 10 at about 13:00 the Roodepoort community in collaboration with the sector policing forum arrested a suspect at 18 Lebombo Avenue in Quellerina who was spotted opening and removing fuses from a mini-substation. A vigilant customer informed the sector policing forum, and the suspect was arrested immediately and charged with damaging essential infrastructure. The theft of the fuses caused an electricity outage that affected about 20 customers for a period of four hours,” he said.
He went on to say that City Power was pleased with the successes which are turning the tide on copper cable thieves and vandals. He hoped these arrests would send a strong warning and serve as a deterrent to other would-be copper cable thieves.
“Partnership with communities, sector policing forums, the security industry and law-enforcement agencies is the only sustainable solution to protect our electricity network infrastructure. As part of our resolve to reduce copper cable theft and vandalism by 20% in the next six months, City Power will be cultivating more partnerships with various stakeholders.”
Customers are urged to report copper cable theft and vandalism incidents to City Power Security Control Room on 011 490 7900/ 7911/ 7553 or to the nearest police station.
