Thieves target water meters for copper and brass in Emjindini

An unusual new trend – thieves targeting water meters at households – has hit residents of Emjindini of late.
Last week households in various sections around the township, woke to find not a single drop coming out of the taps in their homes.

As they went outside to investigate, they saw water streaming in their yards.
Zodwa Ndlovu of Extension 10 said she woke up to find that there was no water in her bathroom last Wednesday morning. “When we went to bed the previous night, I was the last one to use water and it was running. So I was surprised this morning when I opened the tap, only to find it was dry,” said Ndlovu.

She said when she went outside to investigate, she heard the shouts of her neighbour, La Nkosi, telling her that someone had disconnected the meters. Several houses at extensions 7 and 10 were affected.
On Wednesday evening, the thugs seem to have targeted Extension 12 and even the house of the area councillor, Anthea Mthunywa, was not spared. This was not something new, because in April last year households of the same area had been targeted.

These meters are made of copper and brass and it is believed they are stolen and sold to scrap merchants for the metal content. Several residents blamed these dealers for the increase in this type of theft. They said those who accepted the stolen items were to blame for the problem because the thieves knew they always provided a ready market.

Sam Jele, Umjindi spokesman said they condemned the theft in no uncertain terms. “It is an illegal act, which seeks to destroy our infrastructure for service delivery. Our community is being let down by people who are stealing for financial gain. We appeal to anyone who may have evidence, to report it to the police,” said Jele.
He said they were considering replacing the current meters with plastic ones.