Dinwiddie man calls on city to remove electric box used by intruders
After a rise in thefts and cable damage, a Dinwiddie family is asking the City of Ekurhuleni to relocate an electrical box that has become a tool for criminals.
Dinwiddie resident William Pretorious is concerned about crime affecting his home. He lives with his elderly parents, who rely on pensions and Sassa grants, and is the only employed family member.
Pretorious said the electric box outside his yard has become a makeshift ladder for thieves, allowing them to jump over the fence and steal items, including a bicycle and metal objects, over the past few years.
Pretorious explained that the recent surge in theft has left his family financially strained.
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“In July, criminals cut my camera cable more than twice. We face financial difficulties as a family and cannot afford to replace cables every week,” said Pretorious.
He urged the CoE to take action, “We want the CoE to remove the box outside our gate, so it isn’t so easy for criminals to jump over.”
Pretorious also highlighted the streetlights that do n ot work, “Another challenge is that the streetlights have not worked for years, making it difficult to see who is at our gate.”
The family has addressed the issue, with Pretorious saying, “We have reported the matter to our councilor and hired a security company, which has helped with the burden of patrolling at night.”
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained that the electrical infrastructure, including the box in question, is installed to distribute electricity and connect customers and streetlights.
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He outlined the process for relocating such infrastructure, which would require Pretorious to apply formally and potentially cover the costs.
He further said that relocating equipment is possible only if there is a suitable alternative space to place the equipment.
“There is a cost involved to move boxes, poles, kiosks or minisubs, and to reroute cables and terminate cables in the new position.
This cost will be for the account of the customer requesting such relocation.
“The customer is asked to visit the Germiston Energy Planning section. They will investigate, and if it is possible to relocate the box, give the customer a quotation,” said Dlamini.
“Upon receiving proof of payment, a work order will be created to complete the relocation. The customer will be notified if a relocation of infrastructure is not possible.”
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When asked if there were plans to repair the streetlights in Pretorious’ surrounding area, Dlamini said customers can continue to log streetlight-related service requests via the call centre on 086 054 3000.
“The streetlight section will attend to the complaints,” said Dlamini.
