Groenkloof residents need help to clear cable theft hotspot
To repair the damage, the area where the cables were stolen must be cleared first because it is overgrown.
Groenkloof residents are currently receiving electricity from the Lynnwood area after cables were stolen in the bushes near Unisa, leaving the neighbourhood without electricity.
According to ward 59 councillor Shaun Wilkinson, the cable was stolen last week, and a switchover was arranged to ensure that essential services like old age homes, hospitals, and schools remain operational.
“To repair the damage, the area where the cables were stolen must be cleared first because it is overgrown,” Wilkinson said.
He added that no one has been arrested yet, but Complete Security Intelligence (CSI) is looking into doing patrols in the area.
Groenkloof Residents Association (GRA) chairperson Mia Geringer confirmed that the power outage started on Friday, January 30, and was caused by cable theft.
“The metro is aware. CSI went looking for the problem and was able to find and show Tshwane where the cable was stolen.”
The GRA last year raised funds to instal a camera pole on the Unisa side of the fence, and since then, no cable has been stolen.
The latest theft is in a new area where there is no camera.
“The thieves are still busy digging at the site, and a new hole was opened [up] last night or this morning,” Geringer said.
”They are undisturbed because it is completely overgrown.”
Geringer said that the metro joined in on Friday to clear the area for visibility, but it’s a lot of work.
“We are waiting to hear back from the metro on when they can send a team, which should be between Tuesday and Wednesday.”
The GRA is calling on the community to assist with the clean-up.
“If you can assist, if your gardener can assist, or if you can contribute towards this clean-up, please let me know,” Geringer said.
“It’s a massive area, and although Tshwane can send a team, it will be quicker if we all get involved.”
Francois Geringer, a member of the GRA, said Wilkinson organised the switchover, and they are grateful for his efforts.
However, he noted that the bigger problem is that thieves have found a new line of cable to steal, which has become a weekly problem.
“We are working with CSI security companies to get more patrols in the area,” Geringer said.
“We spent over R80 000 to instal cameras, and they have been effective in preventing cable theft incidents for over a year.”
CSI CEO Dana Bloem confirmed that no one has been arrested yet, but they were busy with plans to patrol the area.
“We are working with the GRA to clear the area so that Tshwane can start with repairs,” Bloem said.
“However, it’s difficult to catch criminals because there’s no camera footage.”
Bloem added that they are busy with their own investigations.
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