Cable theft surge plagues Pretoria east, 3 suspects caught in the act
Security companies have increased patrols to combat cable theft.
Parts of Pretoria east are experiencing a surge in cable theft, leaving residents without power and facing financial implications.
The constant theft of cables has become a major inconvenience, with residents forced to run generators and maintain them while still paying electricity bills.
Waterkloof resident Enrico Andrione expressed his frustration with the situation.
“We run our generators all the time, and we have to maintain and service them while paying electricity bills also.”
Andrione, who also owns a restaurant in Alphen Park, raised concerns about his stock going bad due to power outages.
“We have fridges and freezers with a lot of stock, and the food consistently gets spoilt because of the power outages,” he said.
He also highlighted the danger of crime during power outages.
“There’s also a danger of our alarm systems not working. When the power is out, it means the parking is dark, and there is a potential risk of crime.”
Another Waterkloof resident, Noelene van der Merwe, shared her experience of being without power since Monday morning.
“We had to empty our fridge because most of the items went bad,” said Van Der Merwe.
She said she also works from home, and her printers and converters had been standing still since Monday morning.
The power outage has also affected the functionality of security systems, she added.
“Batteries for gates and alarm systems are out because they do not last long after a power outage,” Van Der Merwe said.
Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller confirmed that cable thieves attempted to steal another cable at Delmas Road on Sunday.
“On Monday, we had a power outage due to attempted cable theft.”
Muller said the thieves tried stealing cables on the N1 south on top of the Delmas Road bridge.
“The suspects were digging [up] the cable, and when they saw the flashing blue lights of the security company’s vehicles, they ran into the bush.”
Muller attributed the surge in cable theft to overgrown grass in most areas, which provides cover for criminals.
“Grass needs to be cut so that the criminals can be visible, and drones can see them.”
Recently, cables were stolen near Unisa, where residents in Groenkloof had to do a switchover from Lynnwood.
According to the chairperson of the Groenkloof Residents Association (GRA), when Tshwane was done with repairs, they woke up to find another stolen cable.
“Another couple of metres of cable were dug out on either side of the initial trench outside Unisa.”
The Tshwane Metro Police reported on its Facebook page that the TMPD Cable Theft Unit arrested three suspects in Pretoria east on Sunday, February 9.
The suspects were caught red-handed while digging cable out at a trench on Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Delmas Road.
“While searching the suspects, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were found in their possession, and copper cables were recovered.”
According to Complete Security Intelligence (CSI) CEO Dana Bloem, they have increased patrols to deal with the surge of cable theft in the east.
“We have not caught any suspects yet, but we are working to safeguard the electricity.”
Celine Davis of Seek Security shared that the company has also stepped up efforts to combat cable theft in the east.
“We have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with the authorities to prevent further incidents.”
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