Cable theft: Crisis (not quite) averted
Cable theft, despite being down 28% from last year, is still the biggest threat to electricity stability.
Witpoortjie and Grobler Park are currently the main cable theft hotspots in the southern suburbs of Roodepoort, according to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, who admits that the illicit copper trade still poses the single greatest threat to electricity stability.
The Roodepoort Record reported in March last year that cable theft – and the resulting damage to electricity infrastructure – had cost City Power R52m in the preceding six months.
“Just this week, criminals stole more than 56 metres of cable in Witpoortjie alone, plunging parts of the suburb into darkness and highlighting the growing crisis facing City Power,” he says.
Mangena says the situation is worsened by illegal mining, which is rife throughout the southern regions of Roodepoort, especially around Albertina Sisulu Drive.
“Zama zamas [illegal miners] actively vandalise electrical infrastructure to conduct their operations under the cover of darkness. In some cases, their actions also compromise electricity pylons, putting them at risk of collapse.
“These criminals not only steal our cables, but damage vital infrastructure, risking the safety of residents,” he says, adding that the entity is, in places, switching from using underground cables to overhead lines to make theft more difficult.
The financial toll, though significantly down from last year, remains staggering. Between January and June this year, theft and vandalism cost the city over R11m, excluding labour and lost revenue.
“Witpoortjie and Grobler Park face repeated attacks on mini-substations, cables and distribution boards, leaving residents frustrated by prolonged blackouts and delayed repairs.”
“We are committed to working with residents’ associations, block watches, and local security companies since we’ve seen great results where communities partner with us.
“We know gaps exist, but we are working to close them.”
Mangena reports that over 170 arrests were made for copper theft and electricity infrastructure vandalism in Johannesburg this year.
Additionally, there has been a 28% drop in infrastructure sabotage and a rise in convictions, with some criminals sentenced to up to 12 years.
Mangena urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as the city steps up efforts to protect Roodepoort’s power network.
