Thieves steal cables shockingly fast in Clewer

Clewer residents have been left in the dark once again.

Residents are frustrated as thieves broke into the substation last night (June 27) and cut huge pieces of the power supply cables.

Cables from both sides of the transformer outside the building have also been cut and stolen.

The surrounding fence of the substation is visibly in bad condition as there are holes big enough to get through. The gate of the substation has also been removed previously.

Thieves took advantage of the load shedding and targeted the Clewer substation between 23:00 and 00:00.

Ward Councillor Annah Mntsweni said thieves tried their luck previously when on Thursday, June 22 in the evening hours, electrical sparks were seen flying from far away. Residents assumed there must be trouble at the substation and rushed to see what is wrong only to find thieves running away from the scene. The thieves were not successful in their attempt but succeeded during load-shedding.

“We have found a company who will assist us in barricading the substation as the fencing is in bad shape at the moment. We also urge companies to support us by donating cameras that could assist us in keeping the substation safe,” said Mntsweni.

“It can’t go on like this, something has to be done. We as a community must stand up and do something. This is our life. It is costing us a lot,” said community member Moses Maphanga.

According to Mntsweni, the municipality has been on site early this morning to determine the damages caused and what stock will be needed.

Mntsweni said that they hope the municipality has the necessary stock to do the repairs as the situation is dire.

WITBANK NEWS has reached out to municipal spokesperson Lebo Mofokeng but has yet to receive any comment on the progress.

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