Copper theft is a huge problem in South Africa and has a negative impact on all citizens. The estimated loss due to copper theft is about R5-billion per year .
ALSO READ : Huge cache of stolen copper cable uncovered in Sezela
Residents of Winston Avenue, Margate, have experienced a great deal of inconvenience due to their power cables being stolen and not having electricity for days.
Now the residents have called on security companies to step up patrols after a series of cable thefts and outages.
For the past three months thieves armed with picks and spades have been digging up a driveway and paving and helping themselves to about 60 metres of Eskom cable. One homeowner said cable theft is an ongoing problem and is unacceptable.
“Almost every weekend we are without power. Last week they even dug up my driveway and paving and removed more cable. Two months ago two men were arrested by a security company and handed over to the police. What transpired at Margate saps remains a mystery. We have to resort to security companies to protect us,” she said.
Cobus Prinsloo from Maser Security, who had been watching the cable thieves closely, saw about seven men armed with picks and spades digging on Winston Avenue two months ago at about 2am.
“When they saw us they fled into the bushes but we managed to apprehend two of the seven and both men were taken to Margate Saps,” said Mr Prinsloo.
A resident who followed up the arrest of the two suspects said Margate police had no records of the men being brought in for theft of cable.
“The men were charged with trespassing as they did not have the cables in their possession. The law protects criminals more than it protects its honest citizens who pay taxes. We hope by highlighting this problem more action will be taken by Eskom and the Margate police,” she said.
Eskom was contacted for comment as residents reported the problem to the power utility but none had been made by Eskom before going to print.
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