Six suspects arrested in City Deep after attempts to steal copper cables

City Power was hit by another theft on 29 March in City Deep.

City Power security guards arrested six people aged between 27 and 38 who were alleged to have been digging up copper cables in City Deep Ext 2.

A spokesperson for City Power, Isaac Mangena said, “The suspects aged between 27 and 38 were found to be in possession of 185mm x 3core copper cable valued at about R4 500.00.”

Speaking on this, City Power Chief Executive Officer, Lerato Setshedi, expressed his gratitude to the security officers’ dedication, “Whilst the country is grappling with Covid-19, our security personnel continue to ensure that our electricity network infrastructure remains intact and safeguarded so that we can deliver this essential service and Keep the Lights On in the City of Johannesburg.”

City Power General Manager for Security, Sergeant Thela said, “We thought the national lockdown would reduce theft and vandalism of our electricity network infrastructure, but thieves respect no rules. For that reason, our security response plans for the lockdown were elevated to ensure the protection of our network infrastructure. The arrests bear testimony to the resilience of our security resolve in the face of the Covid-19 national disaster.”

Mangena said that City Power said that is losing millions of rands due to vandalism and cable theft.

Cases of damage and theft of essential infrastructure were opened at the Jeppe Police Station where the suspects were being detained.

“We urge members of the public to support us and report incidents of cable the theft and vandalism to our 24/7 Security Risk Control Room at 011 490 7900/ 7911/ 7553 or to the nearest police station,” concluded Mangena.

Related article:

https://northeasterntribune.co.za/258256/city-power-security-officer-shot-robbery-one-substations-city-power-reviews-security-measures/