Cable theft the cause of power failure

POLOKWANE – Cable theft on a massive scale left most of the city without power since the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said nine cables of around 100 metres each were stolen from the Alpha sub-station on the Matlala road at around 03:00 yesterday morning.

He said due to the enormity of the problem, the replacement of the cables could take some time.

He was hopeful that electricity would be restored to most areas by last night but other sources were less optimistic, giving it a two-day period before all electricity would be restored.

According to Mothapo this was the biggest cable theft incident ever experienced by the city.

He did not want to speculate as to whether the theft may have been sabotage, but said the matter was being investigated and had been reported to the police.

He requested anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious, to report to the nearest police station as a matter of urgency.

Many businesses that did not have back-up generators were adversely affected. Limpopo Mediclinic was not affected by the power failure as their generators took over immediately after the power failed.

Client services manager Istha McMillan said it was business as usual at the hospital.

The power supply at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital was also affected and Review was assured by health spokesperson Adéle van der Linde that the hospital did have a generator.

Areas that were affected included Ladanna, Eduan Park, Welgelegen, Bendor, the industrial area, Thornhill, Serala View, New Flora Park, and areas around Savannah Mall.