Copper-cable theft harms TCM’s economy
Cable theft means more than just loss of revenue for TCM - it has a significant disruptive effect on industry, it contributes to increased tariffs and prices to residents of Thaba Chweu Municipality.
LYDENBURG – An estimated amount of R12,5 million was lost as a result of cable theft and vandalisation of infrastructure in areas within Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM).
According to Mr Lesley Mokoena, acting municipal manager, the municipality will have no tolerance towards cable theft. “We want the public to know that if anyone is found vandalising or stealing cables they will be arrested. Electricity supply is affected by this and it is just going make it more expensive for residents.”
South Africa is facing a major problem with copper theft and it has a negative impact on everyone.
The Criminal Matters Amendment Bill, 2015 introduced a tougher provision of bail conditions and a possible long jail term on convictions for a new offence.
It can be tampering, interference and the destruction of essential infrastructure, which may interfere with the provisions of daily operations or economic activity of the public. This includes electricity lines, railways, and services using copper cables, water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
According to Mr Sinenhlahla Manqele, TCM’s manager of electrical and engineering, cable theft should be viewed as a serious crime which has the potential to have a negative impact on the country’s economy, reliability of electrical supply and security.
“Cable theft means more than just loss of revenue for TCM – it has a significant disruptive effect on industry, it contributes to increased tariffs and prices to residents of Thaba Chweu Municipality.”
Besides the cost of replacing the cables and damaged equipment, it interrupts the flow of traffic on the road and rail system and also interfering with the delivery of other essential services such as health and communication.
Bars, which were on the low-voltage side of a substation outside town, were also recently stripped and stolen.
“High voltage underground cables and low-voltage copper cables were dug up and stolen (16 to 120 millimetres); post top street-lights fittings were stolen too. All the items stolen are very critical in the delivery of electricity.”
Two suspects were recently arrested and will appear in court. “We are going to deploy stricter security again and are looking at other technology methods to curb cable theft. We are also working with Eskom and the SAPS through Eskom’s customer council to fight this.”
TCM requests the community to report cable theft to the police and the municipality on 013-235-7370.
