The estimated repair cost of the substation that caught fire on August 8 in Reiger Park after vandals tampered with it is R5m.
This is according to the City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini.
He said the vandals dug a trench under the substation and gained access to it. They tampered with the electric components, which caused the fire.
“In the process, the substation was badly damaged and it left Reiger Park, Chocolate Valley, Ramaphosa and Delmore without power from the day of the incident until now.
“There is a team on the ground working to repair the substation and the power will be restored in seven days,” explained Dlamini.
Dlamini added that on the day of the incident, the team that responded found blood stains on site, which is a clear indication that the intruders were injured during the criminal act.
“The crime has been reported to the police and they are investigating,” said Dlamini.
Ward 34 Clr Edith Klassen said she was called at 07:10 by one of the employees of the mine, close to the substation, who informed her that there was smoke coming out of the substation.
“I immediately cleared the area because most people, including school children, pass near the substation when they are going home or to school.
“I called DEMS, SAPS and the energy department. DEMS personnel came to the scene and managed to contain the fire, but the damage was already done,” stated Klassen.
She mentioned that she noticed blood drops near the substation and torn-up clothing which she believes are from the person who was tampering with the electricity.
She added that blood drops go all the way to Elsburg Road.
“The police and the security companies followed the blood drops, but they didn’t find the suspect,” she explained.
Anyone with information about the crime can report it to the metro’s call centre services complaints line on 0860 54 3000 or Reiger Park SAPS on 011 916 7000, alternatively 10111.
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