The theft and vandalism of infrastructure on electrical pylons might be the reason why at least two of them collapsed over the N4 highway in the east of Pretoria last night.

This is according to Tshwane Metro Mayor Cilliers Brink.

Brink, in a video to update residents, said he had been informed by local ward councillors that there had been several attempts in the past to steal parts of the electricity pylons.

“There is a strong possibility that this could be what caused the pylons to collapse [on Sunday evening],” Brink said.

“When you look at the steel structure of the pylon you can see where repair work has been done.”

Brink said the collapse of the pylons has a massive impact on the power grid as several parts of Pretoria, Centurion and Mamelodi are left without power.

“There is serious damage here,” he added.

“The city is still busy accessing the extent of the damage. We cannot make any promises at this stage [on when power will be restored] except for the fact that we will keep the public informed on the repair work.”

Brink said the metro was also consulting with Eskom on what can be done to restore power.

The N4 highway between Simon Vermooten Road and Solomon Mhlangu Drive as well as Solomon Mahlangu Drive between Von Backstrom Boulevard and the N4 highway were closed this morning due to electrical cables laying across the highway.

Various substations including Wapadrand, Mooikloof, Waltoo and Heatherly were affected leaving large parts of Pretoria without power.