Cable theft leaves North in the dark
“As the teams were busy with repairs, cables were reported stolen in Jan van Riebeeck Street around 21:30.”
Six cable thefts have been reported in Pretoria North within three days.
On Friday morning several homes were still without power while Tshwane metro repair teams battled to replace the stolen cables.
“On Tuesday alone three cable thefts were reported in Pretoria North,” said ward councillor Yolanda Duvenage.
“The situation got out of hand when yesterday morning (Thursday), in broad daylight, cable thieves stole one of the main power lines supplying a big area.”
Duvenage said repair teams were still busy until late Thursday evening when more reports of cable thefts were called in.
“As the teams were busy with repairs, cables were reported stolen in Jan van Riebeeck Street around 21:30.”
Police and the CPF were alerted, but the thieves had already vanished.
“It takes them about 30 seconds to steal the cable. Before anyone realises the power is off, the criminals have fled the scene,” said Duvenage.
During Thursday night or the early hours of Friday morning, cable thieves struck again on the corner of Deetlefs and Pagel streets.
“It is an absolute nightmare. As soon as the cable is replaced in one area, thieves strike again in the next.”
In Centurion cable thefts have also taken its toll.
Recently police had success in catching three cable thieves, recovering stolen cables that weighed in at 202.5kg.
With the recent spate of cable thefts in the north there is uncertainty when the power will be restored in all areas.
Power failures can be reported by SMS: “Power, followed by your account number” to 082-612-0333 or 44676. Example: power 5120369 to 082-612-0333.
For prepaid accounts, use the water and sanitation account number.
Also read:
Cable theft still an issue in Moot
Security guards arrested for copper cable theft
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