There has apparently been a spree of thefts from substations and power boxes where a specific component called a “Magnefix link” is being targeted. This crime trend has left more than 50 stations vandalised and ransacked within the last two weeks. Apparently this component costs over R1000 to replace but is relatively worthless for anything else. “These parts have very limited value, except if it can be resold for a similar use,” explained the post by the administrator on March 8.
A Magnefix link is a combination of circuit breakers, switches, and fuses that is essential in reliably supplying electricity according to the website of European manufacturing company Eaton. This is the cause of recent power outages in areas such as Blanchville, Model Park, and Jackeroo Park.
Apparently this vandalism has reached as far as Ga-Nala, as many residents were left without power, as well as water. The vandalism has affected the pumping station in the area and therefore it was unable to supply the residents with water on March 8.
“We can’t do anything really our hands are tied. A person can survive without electricity but not without water,” said Ga-Nala resident Danie Erasmus. Surprisingly they have not experienced any power outages in the residential areas.
In an update posted on March 10, there was a technical issue during the repair process that delayed normal functionality to the pumping stations. “In Kriel there was a problem on the size of the links, but this has also been corrected,” announced the post by van Vuuren.
“We are putting measures in place to address this and will be fortifying all structures to secure it. That, however, takes time and we really need your observations to assist in the meantime,” concluded van Vuuren.
Vandalism is something eMalahleni has experienced before. In January 2012 a substation in Klipfontein was ransacked causing millions of rands in damages and leaving the entire area without power for several days. Theo van Vuuren relates the recent crime trend to the water meter thefts that occurred at the end of last year, where over 3000 water meters were stolen in just two months.
The community is mostly supportive although outraged by the fact this is happening. The municipality asks that if any suspicious persons are seen near local power boxes, to report it by sending a text message to one of these numbers: 0714221507, 0826981782, 0824918936, or 0826229171.
