An ever-increasing problem that sees law-abiding, rate-paying citizens suffer is that of illegal connections and cable theft.
These acts not only cost residents and the municipality money, they cost people their lives. The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD), Mpho Moerane, has repeatedly expressed his concern over the rise in these crimes across the city, and the dangers they pose.
Also read: Rise in cable theft costs the City millions and residents are left to suffer
Accidental electrocutions occur not only to those attempting to steal electrical cables or connect electricity illegally, but also to innocent passers-by who pay the highest price when they accidentally touch exposed cables and illegal connections. This was seen recently by the death of a man who was electrocuted after tripping over exposed illegal connections while walking through a veld near Princess informal settlement on 3 February.
The lack of electrification in informal settlements is the reason that many of the perpetrators of these crimes come from townships and it seems that the business has become so lucrative that the residents of the settlements no longer need to carry out these crimes themselves. According to Councillor Moerane, the City has become aware of residents hiring someone to place the illegal connections for them. This resulted in the death of a man (believed to be a Mozambican national) on Sunday, 28 February after he was hired to illegally connect residents of the Thembelihle informal settlement near Lenasia Ext 11.
Moerane continued to say that EISD has engaged law-enforcement agencies to follow up on various leads and ensure that perpetrators are arrested, but he is also urging residents to report any cable theft and illegal connections. “We again appeal to the residents to stop with illegal connections because of the dangers involved, and the fact that it inconveniences the paying customers. Theft of electricity is a serious concern for us in the City of Johannesburg,” he continued.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena has stated that the power entity has been replacing copper cables with aluminium bundle cables in an attempt to mitigate cable theft, as aluminium is less valuable. A budget of approximately R28 million has been approved for the electrification of Princess informal settlement, and three others, during this financial year. The power entity will also be intensifying cutting off illegal connections, and will continue their education drive regarding the dangers related to these acts. “Not only do illegal connections cost the City millions in lost revenue, but they are a danger to the residents, especially children,” stated Mangena.
Cable theft and illegal connections can be reported to Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874 or City Power’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 003 251. Alternatively, local police can be notified using the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
