Metro introduces new cable theft hotline
A walk-in client service centre to report cable theft is based at the Sanab building on the corner of Frederika Street and Johan Heyns Drive in Gezina.
The Tshwane metro police department has launched a new cable theft unit hotline and urged residents to make use of it in an attempt to curb cable theft.
Cable theft is a major problem in the city and leads to frequent and prolonged power outages.
These power outages can last up to 20 hours to allow metro workers to repair or replace the stolen cables.
This, coupled with load-shedding, has been the cause of major financial setbacks for many residents and local businesses.
Centurion resident Johann van Staden said the situation has become unacceptable with power outages lasting between 18 to 20 hours at a time.
“At least when you have load-shedding you can plan and prepare for it.
“But we have no idea when the power will go out and how long we will have to wait for it to come on again.
“Another thing that bothers me is that it has started damaging our electronics.
“The recent surge in cable theft and vandalism remains a concern for the metro.
“The City is committed to tackling the vandalisation of city infrastructure and has established a cable theft unit within the TMPD.
“This unit has been working around the clock by ramping up patrols in various areas where the scourge of cable theft is most prevalent.
The unit has also conducted operations with other law enforcement agencies to address this problem.
“Arrests have been made and cables amounting to more than R1.5-million in value have been recovered recently.”
To report cable theft, call the hotline on 012 358 1550.
In addition, a walk-in client service centre to report cable theft is based at the Sanab (South African Narcotics Bureau) building on the corner of Frederika Street and Johan Heyns Drive in Gezina.
All information reported will be treated with confidentiality.
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