Community-led initiative curbs cable theft at Raslouw substation

Cable theft at the Raslouw substation has declined following the rollout of a Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP) initiated by the Sunderland Ridge Business Community (SBRP).

The initiative is in partnership with the metro and is supported by Ward 70 Councillor Marika Kruger Muller.

Muller said the CUP was introduced in response to years of repeated cable theft incidents that caused major power outages in the area.

She noted that since its implementation, the substation, which supplies electricity to the whole of Sunderland Ridge, Raslouw, Lekkerhoekie, and the Sunderland Ridge Wastewater Treatment Works, has brought a noticeable reduction in cable theft.

“The Raslouw substation used to suffer from constant cable theft. But since the Sunderland Ridge Industrial Business Forum came on board with private security, spotlights, and cameras, there have been few to no incidents.”

Muller also revealed that a new CUP application is in progress for the R55 and Mimosa Avenue intersection, an area that has become a hotspot for both infrastructure theft and road accidents.

“The traffic light at Ellman street and R55 was removed multiple times because of cable theft, leading to many accidents. The CUP will also focus on installing cameras to monitor the road and municipal infrastructure,” she added.

She explained that because the R55 is a provincial road, approval from the Gauteng provincial government is needed to move forward with the project.

Muller said the aim is to replicate the success seen at Raslouw in other high-risk locations.

Michael Lamprecht, a representative of the SBRP, recently confirmed that conditions at the substation have improved.

He explained that 24-hour security patrols are in place, and regular maintenance, such as bush clearing, is conducted to prevent issues like cable theft.

He added that the project to secure the substation is ongoing and remains a key priority for the business community.

Lamprecht highlighted that the CUP model has paved the way for broader collaboration between the business community, the Tshwane metro, and residents.

“We currently have another CUP application in progress, aimed at installing surveillance cameras along the R55 to monitor vehicle movement and enhance safety in the area.”

He noted that the business community feels compelled to be involved in such initiatives due to rising crime levels.

“Given the resources available to us, our objective is to enhance public safety, contribute to community development, and foster an environment conducive to further investment,” he said.

“These CUP models could be replicated in other areas if managed properly.”

Raslouw resident Lethabo Mabutho said the CUP has brought welcome relief to residents who had grown frustrated with frequent outages in the past.

“There have been fewer power outages compared to previous years when we used to have constant disruptions due to cable theft,” she said.

Mabutho explained that the area used to experience unexpected blackouts that would last for hours, sometimes multiple times a week.

“Now, even if there is a power outage, it does not happen as often, and it usually gets resolved much faster. You can definitely see that the situation is under control compared to how things used to be,” she added.

Last year, Rekord reported that businesses in Sunderland Ridge had taken urgent steps to secure the Raslouw substation after ongoing cable theft incidents severely disrupted operations.

At the time, Muller had advised the business community to apply for a CUP to formalise their security measures following a major cable theft incident earlier in the year.

The application was approved in mid-2024, though the process faced delays due to the national elections.

She noted at the time that although the CUP applied specifically to the substation, its presence had already helped prevent theft in the surrounding area.

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