The problem of the power outage in West Acres was caused by cable theft in the bush area behind the damaged substation.

A metal plate was put above ground over the underground cables and set on fire.

The heat melted the cables together creating a short, enabling the perpetrators to dig them up.

This caused a chain reaction, severely damaging the 140m cable leading to the substation, and also damaging the transformer and breakers.

Some critical equipment has to be replaced but in the short term, the 132/11KV transformer has been stabilised to allow residents to use essential equipment.

ALSO READ: Some areas of Mbombela will be without electricity due to damaged substation

DA ward councillor, Sanley van der Merwe, said some areas are still affected due to the long stretch of cable that needs replaced.

“It was just too dark and wet last night to finish the work. Excavators could not be used at that would cause further damage to the cables. The technical team has been on site since 07:00 this morning and we hope power will be restored shortly,” she said

ALSO READ: Substation damaged at West Acres in Mbombela

“I must give credit to Mbombela’s Jaco Landsberg, senior technical manager at the energy department. The team really worked under very difficult circumstances. A private electrical engineer, Chris Coenoffered his expertise and community members assisted with the digging. This is very heartwarming,” Van der Merwe said.

“The City of Mbombela said there are more cable faults being detected on the line. The team is trying to locate and address them but is having difficulty with some areas that are inaccessible due to thick bushes. As soon as they’ve been located and fixed we hope to connect everyone.”