Residents left ‘powerless’ as cable thieves strike
Residents were left feeling powerless against crime, as well as literally without power, when cable thieves struck during the night.
RESIDENTS in Brecher Street were left feeling powerless against crime, as well as literally without power, when cable thieves struck during the night.
AbaQulusi mayor, Jerry Sibiya and Manager of Technical Services, Sihlangu Masuku, arrived at the scene on Monday morning to assess the situation and discuss the matter with the concerned residents who were affected by the criminal activity.
Concerned by this additional challenge facing the already pressured Technical Services Department of AbaQulusi Municipality, Mr Masuku discussed potential options with Mayor Sibiya and the frightened residents who were distressed at the prospect of facing another night without electricity, leaving them at the mercy of the criminals who operate under cover of darkness.
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Mayor Sibiya listened to their concerns and reassured them that the matter would be handled with urgency, noting that the area was indeed a hot spot for criminals due to several easy escape routes and empty houses nearby.
Ward 9 Councillor, Alta de Kock, who had been dealing with another pressing matter nearby, arrived at the scene, joining the discussion with AbaQulusi Municipality’s Mayor and Manager of Technical Services as they contemplated their next move in ensuring service delivery while faced with the further challenge of dealing with the criminal element.
“It appears that the cable thieves were interrupted,” stated the mayor. “The report came through on Sunday night to Link Up that the power supply had been shut off unexpectedly. They immediately notified the municipality who dispatched workers to attend to the matter. It seems that when they arrived, the thieves had fled the scene as they did not manage to take any of the copper cable that they were allegedly after. The municipal workers collected the cable and it is now in the possession of AbaQulusi Municipality…”
Mayor Jerry Sibiya and Mr Masuku were still at the scene when municipal workers arrived to carry out the repairs and did not leave until the residents they spoke to were reassured of their intention to ensure that they would not go another night without power.
“It feels like this mayor actually cares about us and our concerns,” stated a smiling Cormelia Millies, who shook Mayor Sibiya’s hand before he left and thanked him for taking the time to approach them in their time of despair.
