The Delmas Cable Theft Working Group has warned that continued cable theft threatens infrastructure, water systems, businesses and the environmental stability of Rietvlei Nature Reserve.

The group consists of community members in the east of Pretoria, the Ward 91 councillor, security forums, community organisations and private security companies.

The convener of the group and Ward 91 councillor Henning Viljoen said that a structured intervention plan has been proposed by the group to address ongoing cable theft affecting the reserve and surrounding areas.

Viljoen said persistent cable theft has disrupted electricity supply within the reserve, affecting boreholes, water purification systems and businesses operating in the area, while repair efforts have repeatedly been undone by further theft.

“We cannot continue replacing infrastructure without addressing security first. Repairs alone are not a solution if cables are stolen again weeks later,” Viljoen said.

He explained that the proposed intervention strategy focuses on stabilising the situation first, improving intelligence and security, and only then restoring damaged infrastructure.

According to Viljoen, the group proposed a four-phase plan aimed at moving from immediate stabilisation to long-term infrastructure protection.

The first phase, expected to take place within 30 days, focuses on gathering accurate information on the extent of theft and vulnerable infrastructure.

He said this includes conducting physical surveys, mapping stolen and high-risk cable routes, compiling incident reports, and creating a central database to identify patterns and hotspots.

“This phase ensures decisions are based on facts and intelligence rather than guesswork,” Viljoen said.

Viljoen said the second phase focuses on strengthening security measures to deter further theft.

Proposals include reviewing and strengthening security deployment, introducing unpredictable patrol patterns and deploying drone surveillance over high-risk areas to improve monitoring and incident response times.

“Solar cameras are currently not recommended due to the risk of theft of the equipment itself.”

The third phase would focus on hardening infrastructure and securing funding partnerships.

Viljoen said this includes protecting critical installations such as low-voltage cables, borehole power supplies and the water purification plant through rerouting, armouring or deeper cable burial where possible.

Engagement with Rand Water is also proposed to secure cofunding for security and infrastructure protection measures.

“The goal is to reduce repeat theft while sharing the financial burden required to secure these assets,” he said.

The final phase would involve restoring services once security benchmarks are met, including replacing stolen cables, restoring power supply, and returning boreholes and purification systems to full operation.

“This ensures that infrastructure restoration is sustainable and not immediately undone by criminal activity,” Viljoen added.

He mentioned that they also propose establishing a dedicated intervention task team involving municipal officials, electricity departments, security stakeholders and environmental partners to oversee implementation.

“Monthly monitoring reports tracking theft incidents, infrastructure status and response effectiveness are also proposed to ensure accountability.”

Viljoen warned that continued cable theft not only disrupts electricity supply but also threatens environmental management and economic activity within the reserve.

He added that the strategy shifts the response from reactive repairs to proactive prevention, aiming to protect critical infrastructure, preserve the Rietvlei ecosystem, and reduce long-term costs to the municipality.

“Stakeholders are hopeful that co-ordinated action and proper security investment will significantly reduce theft incidents within the coming months.”

A recent incident in Moreleta Park also highlights the ongoing problem.

Bull Security officers arrested a suspect on Rutgers Street after responding to a report of cable theft in progress on January 26.

According to spokesperson French Jooste, officers found the suspect cutting cables in a nearby field.

“The suspect fled but was apprehended after a foot chase through surrounding streets.”

He said police then took the suspect into custody.

Jooste commended community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activity as cable theft continues to threaten essential services and public safety.

She added that on January 27, officers also arrested two suspects inside Rietvlei Nature Reserve after they were caught digging and cutting cables.

“The suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended following a foot chase through difficult terrain, with cutting and digging tools recovered at the scene.”

Both suspects were handed over to Lyttelton SAPS for further investigation.

Jooste commended community vigilance and the swift response of officers, saying co-operation between residents and security teams remains vital in combating infrastructure-related crimes.

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