Ward 74 councillor’s concerns about James and Ethel Gray Park grow after skinned cables were found
The JMPD committed to deploying a ward vehicle to conduct patrols in this area frequently.
DA Johannesburg Caucus leader and Ward 74 councillor Belinda Echeozonjoku is concerned that James and Ethel Gray Park may be used for criminal activities by recyclers.
Echeozonjoku approached the Gazette on October 5 and said, “Residents recently discovered that it seems recycling around James and Ethel Gray Park, along Corlett Drive is used as cover for cable theft. I have now reported twice to JMPD and there has been no acknowledgement or response. The lack of by-law enforcement is costing the City of Johannesburg millions as cable thieves continue their work while ward councillor reports remain ignored by JMPD.”
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla disagreed with Echeozonjoku and noted that the Metro police and the Region E operations unit were aware of the councillor’s reports and have responded through the Crum (Citizen Relationship and Urban Management) office.
Fihla added the JMPD By-laws Management Unit was investigating the matter. “From observations, we have found that the cables are not stolen by the recyclers and crime takes place somewhere and after skinning the cables, the perpetrators dumped the covers in the bushes where the recyclers are operating.”
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the power utility was also aware of the reports from Echeozonjoku.
“Our team, on October 5, went on-site and witnessed old cables which were also verified by Mabotwane Security working on site. From their assessment, there was nothing stolen and no one could identify the wires and core names.”
Mangena added an investigation was underway by City Power Security Risk Management as to where the cable casings and wires came from. The findings will be shared once the investigation is concluded.
The power utility has adopted a multipronged strategy which includes collaboration with all stakeholders.
This includes implementing an infrastructure security plan which incorporates the following:
- Sourcing crime information and special security operations services.
- Normal static guarding and mobile armed response security services.
- Local security contracting where local security services will provide paid services to safeguard the network in their communities.
- Implementation of innovative technology such as drones to detect criminals and inserting chips inside the copper cables.
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