Metro fails to document cable thefts

The CoE is accused of a couldn’t-care-less approach to cable thefts in the city.

April 1, 2024

Fanie Mthupha 1 minute read

Despite losing millions of ratepayers’ money to cable theft and vandalism, the CoE reportedly does not keep records of cable theft cases.

According to DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Chief Whip Clr Michael Waters, this was revealed in replies to questions from the DA in council and parliament.

Waters said it is shocking that the city does not keep records of cable theft to help it identify high-risk areas, the cost to it, and subsequently to develop a strategy to combat this scourge.

“The city has a could-not-care-less attitude, while large areas of the city continuously get plunged into darkness due to repeated cable thefts, which result in residents’ lives being disrupted for lengthy periods, while many factories stand idle, and people lose their jobs,” said Waters.

“With over 42% of all South Africans unemployed, you’d have thought the ANC/EFF coalition government would do everything in their power to keep the lights on and keep people in work. However, this is not the case.”

Waters asked the metro how many cable theft incidents occurred in Ward 73 alone over the past 12 months. The EFF’s MMC of Energy, Clr Molebatsi, revealed: “The energy department is not able to provide a breakdown of cable theft because it forms part of forced unplanned outages, and repairs are funded from the same vote number that will be used for ‘normal’ interruptions in supply.

“When asked about cases of cable theft reported to the police, the reply was even more shocking. In 2023, a dismal 17 cable theft cases were reported to the police despite the recurring incidents. This is an absolute disgrace.”

Waters said he would submit follow-up questions in council about scheduling the roll-out of the early warning alarms linked to the EMPD and service providers’ control rooms.