Power supply should return soon after attack at substation
“It's often that very sophisticated criminal operation that targets the infrastructure.”
Tshwane MMC for utilities and regional operations coordination says repairs to Heartherly substation east of Pretoria this week.
MMC Themba Fosi said day two of the repairs were progressing well, and affected communities would soon have their electricity supply restored to their dwellings.
He said since the fire gutted the substation after guards were held hostage and cables stolen during an attack.
He said five of the nine panels had been repaired, tested and greenlighted for operation.
“By mid-day, most residents will be up and running,” the Fosi pledged.
[WATCH] Heartherly Substation update by MMC Themba Fosi. Repairs progressing well, power to affected communities to be restored soon. 19-September 2023. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/s0MNmvfZxU
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) September 19, 2023
Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink at a recent briefing said the metro would have to look into how to secure its service infrastructure.
“It’s often that very sophisticated criminal operation that targets the infrastructure.”
On September 18, Savanah Estate, Greencreek, The Blydes, Pienaarspoort, Nellmapius ext. 3,6,7,8 and 22 were plunged into darkness when the substation was vandalised and stripped off numerous cables.
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said on September 18, about 20 perpetrators allegedly stormed the substation to obtain valuable cables, which resulted in an inferno and power outage.
Mashigo said that during the two hours of load-shedding, about 20 individuals stormed the substation and held the security personnel at gunpoint.
He said the substation burst into flames after the theft and emergency services were activated to extinguish the fire.
Mashigo said the entire substation was off as a result of theft of infrastructure which occurred during the scheduled load-shedding.
He said the substation was temporarily inactive ad repairs being undertaken.
“At least nine medium voltage cables were stolen, and the substation vandalised and that resulted in a fire outbreak.”
This is the second reported attack in the east.
In July, a 29-year-old Tshwane security guard lost his life during a shootout between cable thieves and guards.
The guard was stationed at the Njala substation, where cables were later stolen.
Tshwane said police were investigating the matter.
Mashigo said Tshwane condemned the acts of vandalism to its infrastructure.
“We urge members of the community to report any suspicious activity to the Tshwane metro police 24-hour line on 012 358 7095/6 or cable theft hotline on 080 011 2722.”
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