The cable theft crisis continues to intensify, with two mini-substations being completely stripped this week.

• The residential complexes in John Magagula Street, including Euwalt Hof, were plunged into darkness since Monday after the mini-sub at the Reformed Church on John Magagula was looted by cable thieves.

Residents have been without electricity since, with DA Ward Councillor San Mari Wait confirming that the Department of Electricity was seen restoring the mini-sub this morning.

• According to Cllr Wait, another mini-substation in Dr Beyers Naudé Drive was also completely stripped by cable thieves last night, leaving large parts of the CBD without electricity.

• Groenkol has also been plunged into darkness after cable thieves cut through a cable in Kogel Street.

• Meanwhile, last night’s storm blew overhead cables loose in SADC Street, where power interruptions are also being experienced.

Cllr Wait told the Middelburg Observer that an estimated restoration time is not available, but that the municipality is aware of the power outages.

“It is time for residents to assist in combatting cable thefts. We have created two WhatsApp-groups for the CBD area, where suspicious activity can be reported. The more eyes we have watching the area, the less theft we will experience,” Cllr Wait concluded.