Alleged streetlight thief falls to his death
This is the second fatality in four days linked to electrical infrastructure tampering in Roodepoort.
A man fell to his death in the early hours of March 2 while allegedly attempting to steal a streetlight fitting in Dianne Crescent, Florida.
When the Roodepoort Record arrived on the scene, two security officers were guarding the area while waiting for the police. The man lay motionless on the pavement. The streetlight fitting and its glass cover were smashed on the road, and a small spanner lay nearby.
City Power (CP) spokesperson Isaac Mangena said teams were alerted and the matter had been handed over to the relevant authorities.
“Fortunately, no customers have been affected by the incident,” he said, adding that the Roodepoort Service Delivery Centre (SDC) streetlight maintenance team would replace the damaged fitting and secure the infrastructure.
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Mangena said this was the second fatality linked to tampering with electrical infrastructure within the SDC area in the past four days.
“Last week, a man was electrocuted in Buitekant Street, Roodepoort West, while allegedly attempting to steal an 11kV electrical cable. Reports indicate the live cable sparked and exploded after being cut, resulting in the fatality.
“While there was no supply interruption in the Dianne Crescent incident, theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure continue to cost CP significant amounts of money and place strain on the network and repair teams.
“City Power reminds residents and would-be vandals that tampering with electrical infrastructure is illegal and extremely dangerous.
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“Such actions often lead to serious injuries, fatalities and, in many cases, prolonged power outages affecting homes, businesses and essential services.
“Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure, including unauthorised individuals near substations, damaged access points or people carrying cables or cutting equipment.”
Incidents can be reported to the CP Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900/ 7911/ 7553 or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.
