The Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo municipality in Sasolburg, counsellor Jeff Zwane has strongly condemned the vandalism and theft of electrical infrastructure and cables in the municipal area.

Zwane has expressed concern over the increase in the number of electrical cable theft in various areas over the past weeks.

According to the municipality since the beginning of the year cables worth R1.9m were stolen in the Metsimaholo municipal area, plunging many houses and business premises into darkness.

This high figure includes the cost of repair work to the infrastructure and material.

Most incidents of cable thefts and vandalism to municipal infrastructure happened during the night and in some cases the perpetrators were not found.

Metsimaholo states that in the past three weeks alone, three incidents took place, with two electrical cable theft incidents reported last Thursday.

Mayor Zwane has called on law enforcement agencies, the SAPS, neighbourhood watches, and communities to assist to curb the scourge.

“Cable theft not only costs the municipality millions in lost revenue, but it also inconveniences customers and businesses, especially small business. The municipality does its best to replace and fix the infrastructure when these horrendous incidents happen.”

Residents of Metsimaholo are encouraged to be vigilant and report these crimes.