An attempted cable theft in Dundee nearly left parts of the town in prolonged darkness – but quick-thinking residents stepped in to stop the crime.

According to Mayor Mkhize, criminals attempted to steal the last remaining electric cable supplying Sibongile on Wednesday. The community has already been affected by load reduction after a previous cable was stolen some months ago.

This time, however, the culprits were thwarted when residents, including Sifundo Mchunu, purchased cement and filled in the trench the thieves had dug, preventing them from completing the theft.

Municipal workers were later deployed to secure the site and repair the damage.

Mayor Mkhize urged residents to remain vigilant, saying: “If anyone has information about this incident or witnesses suspicious activity, report it to the police immediately.”

He further called for unity in tackling cable theft, warning that such crimes could leave Dundee and surrounding areas without power for months.

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