Nie Cele
In a drive to curtail cable theft in the City, Jozi’s electricity distributor City Power has counteracted this nefarious act by replacing the copper cables with aluminium bundle cables.
This come in the wake that, since the start of the current financial year, cables worth over R14 million were stolen, plunging many suburbs into darkness for many days and some for weeks.
This was revealed by Member of the Mayoral Committee on Environment and Infrastructure Services in the City of Johannesburg, Mpho Moerane.
Moerane expressed concern over the increase in the number of electricity cable theft incidents across the City pointing out the damage excluded the cost to the actual repairs work to the infrastructure, and material.
The MMC also detailed that since January 2021, City Power has had 144 incidents of cable theft to the value of R2.2 million.
“ In December 2020, there were 206 incidents of cable theft. Most of these incidents happened during the recent load shedding stage 2 that was implemented across the country, although cable theft happens when the lights are on.
“Last Wednesday alone, 11 cable theft incidents were reported, with six reported Thursday.”
Moerane also called on law enforcement agencies, the SAPS, JMPD, neighbourhood watches, and CPF to join hands with City Power to assist to curb the scourge.
According to him, 41 suspects were arrested since July 2020 to date, with two arrested this January and 11 in December.
“Cable theft not only costs the City millions in lost revenue, it also inconveniences customers and businesses, especially small business, during a time when the country is experiencing Covid-19 restrictions.
“As part of its mitigating strategy, City Power has been replacing the copper cables with aluminium bundle cables, which have no value to cable thieves, he said”
