Electricity meter covers are being targeted in Atteridgeville by nyaope addicts who apparently sell them to scrap metal dealers for small change, a disgruntled resident said on Tuesday.
Ethel Chauke of Atteridgeville said her electricity meter cover had been stolen three times. “When it was first stolen we thought this was nothing major, and then we replaced it. But it got stolen again, and we started getting concerned because none of this has ever happened before.”
She said Atteridgeville residents were overwhelmed and police were not doing anything about it. “We reported the matter to the police station on several occasions but nothing has been done. The theft increased and homeowners are getting concerned because it has now started to rain.”
Chauke said the meters left exposed during the rainy season could be dangerous. “We all know that electricity and water do not mix, and if the meters were left exposed all the time when it rains it might cause serious injury or death to a passer-by.”
Nyaope addicts in the area were the ones stealing the covers, she said.
“Who else would it be? Before this nyaope drug came,metal items in the community were safe. Copper taps were safe and metal sheets were not stolen. Since the nyaope drug emerged, everything is now stolen.”
Residents of Ten-Morgan had now formed a community watch to protect their property during the day when people were at work.
“If the police cannot help us as residents then we have to find new ways of dealing with crime in our area. Those who steal taps and meter covers from us will be dealt with in a way criminals should be dealt with, and then we will call the cops,” Chauke said.
Atteridgeville police spokesperson Captain Thomas Mufumadi could not be reached for comment.
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