Cable thieves are costing ratepayers millions of rands as they continue to ply their trade, according to the local municipality.

Theft of cabling from substations and streetlights has increased recently and has been causing widespread power interruptions to businesses and households. On Friday, several locals in the vicinity of Alfred and Phillip streets were without electricity for most of the day after cabling was stolen at the substation.

READ MORE HERE: Cable theft results is electricity outage in CBD

Mr Mkhize reports that streetlight cables from Keate Street and other areas have also been stolen.

“There was also an attempted theft from the Macfarlane Street substation on Saturday night,” added Mr Mkhize.

The copper inside the cables is what the thieves are after and according to the municipal manager, there is no specific modus operandi.

“We have noted that the thieves cut cables while they are live so as to keep electricity on for longer periods before being detected,” continued Mr Mkhize.

The result, he says, is loss of electricity to business and residential areas, and the added expense to replace the cables and loss of income experienced by the municipality.

When asked about the costs involved each time cable thieves strike, Mr Mkhize said, “The cost varies depending on the amount of cable stolen, the substations affected and the customers affected. These costs range from R50,000 to over a few million rand.”

Locals are encouraged to report any suspicious activity around or in electrical substations and equipment by notifying the municipality on 036-342-7800, the call centre on 036-352-6464 and also inform the police.

 
“The more people who report suspicious activities, the less damage is expected,” concluded Mr Mkhize.

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