Copper cable theft on the rise in Toti
The local ward councillor said that residents may have to shoulder the cost of replacing the stolen cable.
WARD 93 councillor, André Beetge said vandalism and theft of copper in Amanzimtoti would soon reach a point where the municipality will run out of cable.
ALSO READ: Copper thieves strike again in Doonside
Beetge noted that cable theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure has increased tremendously in the last few months.
“In more than a decade of me as councilor have we experienced anything to equal the current situation. This will, eventually and inevitably, result in tariff increases for consumers,” said Beetge.
On Thursday, November 4, two men were arrested after they broke into the Doonside substation to steal cables. Amanzimtoti SAPS communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy said the men, aged 21 and 31, were charged with tampering, damaging and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
“A case docket was opened and is being investigated by detectives. Copper cable and cutting tools were recovered from the scene,” said van der Spuy.
On the same day, cable thieves struck again in Amanzimtoti. This left an area between Beach Road and Andrew Zondo Road in darkness. While power was eventually restored after a few days, some residents on Beach Road still experience disruptions.
ALSO READ: Vandalism leads to major power outage, says ward councillor
Ruth Majola, the secretary of the Illovo Beach Neighbourhood Watch, asked why the substations were not guarded and it is alleged the response was that there are too many substations across the metro. She decided to start a campaign to rally the community and work towards eventually having security personnel on guard.
“I’m done with excuses and I’m taking action. I will do the calculations and, once I know how many vulnerable substations we have, and spoken to CCPO, I will let everyone know,” said Majola.
Questions relating to the recent thefts were sent to eThekwini Municipality but a reply had not been received at the time of publishing.
Eskom announced that Stage 4 load shedding will last until Friday morning. This will be followed by Stage 2 load shedding until Saturday.
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