‘Work together to stop water meter theft’

The ongoing theft of water meters and electricity cables have become a daily occurrence. –

“We wake up to no water or electricity and have to get water from neighbours, it is an inconvenience.-

“The problem (of water meter and electricity cable theft) would not have been so big if we had more patrollers and police vans in our streets,” said a resident Catherine Anderson.-

Captain Phillemon Khorombi said that the police can only deal with reported cases.-

“We want people to come forward and provide us with information on who the culprits are,” he said.-

Victor Olivier, chairperson of the CPF said that there are approximately 200 police for about 70 000 residents.-

“There is one van per sector,” Olivier said.-

He said a community cannot function properly if they don’t assist the police.-

It is alleged that water meters and electricity cables are stolen to be exchanged for money at scrap-yards. –

While Olivier insists that all illegal scrap-yards have been closed down he says it is difficult to keep track of them and those who exchange stolen goods.-

“It is a requirement for people to provide their ID copy and proof of residence when exchanging at scarp-yards but they produce fake documents,” Olivier said.-

Stolen water meters are now being replaced with plastic but can only be replaced after it has been stolen.-

“It would have been preferable if all water meters were replaced with plastic before it is stolen but Joburg Water does not have the funds for it,” said Ward Councillor Peter Rafferty.-

He also urges residents to form a block committee and work with police.-

“A few people have taken the initiative and theft has decreased in those areas,” Rafferty said.-

He said that it is difficult to curb the theft because: “12 meters are stolen in one Extension and as soon as it is sorted out, it moves to the next Extension”.-

“The police can’t do it on their own and I can’t do it on my own, we need to work together,” Rafferty said about seeing an end to the theft.