Small farmer faces big loss due to cable theft

On September 1, after having no power on his farm, Joseph found that more than 300m of electric cable in Heidelberg Road, Ratanda, was stolen.

“I can’t bring in any chicks at the moment and it is affecting my business badly,” Joseph told HERAUT.

Although Joseph reported the cable theft to the SAPS and Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), no indication was given by LLM as to when the power will be restored. Upon visiting Heidelberg Road, HERAUT spotted metres of electric cable laying on the ground.

According to Joseph, Heidelberg Road is one of the busiest roads in Ratanda and he is asking the community to stand together.

“We should fight this crime together and report it immediately if we see culprits wanting to steal cables,” Joseph said.

This is the second time in two months that cable thieves struck Heidelberg Road.

“We all need electricity to run our businesses and I am pleading to the culprits to please stop the destruction,” Joseph said and added that he wants to work with the police and the community police forum to help identify the perpetrators.

“I grew up in Heidelberg and stayed here all my life. Through my chicken farm, I serve the community and provide food. We must protect our town and the residents who want to make an honest living,” Joseph added.

The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) estimates that cable theft costs the SA economy between R5-billion and R7-b a year. As cable theft results in power outages, this affects small businesses and increases opportunities for criminal activities.

At the time of going print, power had not yet been restored and Joseph could still not continue with his farming activities.