Residents in Langweg, Elandsvlei, have been left without electricity after alleged acts of vandalism targeted critical electrical infrastructure.

According to councillor Alwyn van Tonder, criminals allegedly stripped a pole-mounted transformer at the corner of Vleiweg and Langweg on Friday night, July 3, leaving parts of the area without power.

In the early hours of Tuesday, July 7, the same suspects allegedly attempted to steal a second pole-mounted transformer in Langweg. The attempt was reportedly foiled after members of the neighbourhood watch and EPR Security disturbed them before they could remove it.

Although the second transformer was not stolen, it sustained extensive damage and is no longer operational.

Quick response thwarts alleged theft

According to Rand West Neighbourhood Watch founding director Henry Boyce, an EPR reaction officer noticed a vehicle parked suspiciously in the middle of the road while on his way to collect a colleague for a shift change.

As the officer approached, several suspects fled into nearby bushes. One suspect got into the vehicle and attempted to flee.

The vehicle was pursued before being involved in a collision on Ventersdorp Road shortly afterwards. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot.

Watch the chase here:

Minutes later, a community member discovered a trailer carrying the stolen transformer abandoned in the road and alerted the Rand West Neighbourhood Watch, which deployed seven patrollers to the scene.

Boyce credited the vigilance of the EPR reaction officer and community member, together with the swift response by the Rand West Neighbourhood Watch and police, for preventing the alleged theft of the second transformer.

“We would like to thank everyone who played a role in this excellent team effort. This incident once again highlights the important role that the Rand West Neighbourhood Watch, EPR, police and vigilant community members play in crime prevention,” he said.

Power restoration under way

Van Tonder said the municipality’s Electricity Department has begun installing a replacement transformer at the corner of Vleiweg and Langweg to restore power to affected residents.

Municipal teams are also sourcing another transformer to replace the damaged unit and restore electricity to the remaining households as quickly as possible.

The municipality apologised for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience while repairs continue.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police or their local neighbourhood watch. EPR general manager Johan Krogh also encouraged residents to contact their security service provider if they notice suspicious activity.

Boyce urged residents to become involved in the Rand West Neighbourhood Watch. Boyce can be reached on 073 444 5864.

“Crime is best prevented through visibility, teamwork and a community that stands together. Together we make a winning team,” he said.