‘Report theft of infrastructure’
MIDRAND – "Part of our security strategy is to centre the fight against cable theft and vandalism around the residential areas," said Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power.
City Power customers in and around Midrand were urged to report the theft of electricity infrastructure after some parts of Noordwyk were left in the dark after power cables were stolen on 19 April.
Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power, condemned the stealing of cables adding that the reason for the prolonged electricity outages in Noordwyk, Rabie Ridge and surrounding areas were because of vandalism and cable theft.
“The latest one [outage] affected Noordwyk which was restored around 9pm after the cables were replaced.
“We have also seen an increase in theft of aerial bundle cables which we often find during the operations to cut off illegal connections in nearby informal settlements. While the aerial bundle cables cables are made of aluminum which has little value at recycling dens, they are used by illegal connectors because of their resilience to be able to draw electricity from longer distances,” he added.
Mangena appealed to the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around their area’s
electricity infrastructure. “Customers are urged to call City Power Risk Control Numbers 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911 or 011 490 7553, or their local police station.
“Part of our security strategy is to centre the fight against cable theft and vandalism around the residential areas. We want the communities to adopt the infrastructure and protect it against the vandals.”
Mangena said many communities have a Community Policing Forum and neighbourhood watch patrolling the streets and that partnering with them would assist in curbing the theft and vandalism of infrastructure.
Details: City Power Risk Control Numbers 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911 or 011 490 7553, or contact police on 10111.
