Theft of entire transformer: This is not the first time in Bronkhorstspruit

Two transformers were stolen in Cultura Park and De la Rey Street over the festive season.

February 23, 2025

Arisja Misselhorn 1 minute read

The transformer in the Klipeiland area was stolen on February 10.

The lights are back on in the Bronkhorstspruit areas of Klipeiland smallholdings and Arbor Road after Eskom replaced their stolen transformer over the weekend.

This looted transformer belongs to Eskom but is not the first to be lifted in Bronkhorstspruit. The City of Tshwane’s (CoT) transformers were stolen in Cultura Park and De la Rey Street over the festive season.

According to the head of Tshwane’s Region 7, Jabu Mabona, the transformers cost at least R500 000 each. The question begs to be asked: How could someone remove an entire electrical transformer without being caught or, for that matter, being electrocuted?

Mabona believes this is the work of an organised group with the skills, equipment and vehicles to jack a transformer.

“They must have a low-bed truck, a crane and someone skilled at stripping and isolating high-voltage wires,” he explained.

Mabona said the theft of electrical infrastructure is happening throughout the CoT. He could not confirm nor deny the rumours that municipal officials are involved and that municipal equipment and vehicles are used to steal the transformers.

An electrician connects a new transformer on De la Rey Street last December.

Community leader and resident Cecilia Knox said Bronkhorstspruit, especially in the Riamapark area, is prone to infrastructure theft.

“Power outages are rampant, and communities are continuously affected because of theft of infrastructure and cables. Nothing comes from reported cases,” said Knox.

According to her, the community caught a man with a stolen transformer on a low bed in Zithobeni earlier last year, but nothing has come of it.

Johannes Bekker, the ward councillor of Bronkhorstspruit’s neighbouring town, Cullinan, where electricity infrastructure theft was at an all-time high last year, said the continued theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure are crippling essential services.

“This points to organised crime, often involving insiders. In 2024, several government employees were arrested for stealing cables, infrastructure and oil, including a CoT employee in November. These crimes cannot go unchecked,” concluded Bekker.