The increase in cable thefts has shocked locals

A recent increase in the theft of electrical infrastructure in Centurion, particularly meter boxes and cables at mini-substations, is worrying residents and the metro.

Ward councilors in wards 66, 57 and 79 have reported that these thefts have regularly led to power outages, inconveniencing residents and businesses.

Ward 57 councilor David Farquharson said the theft of electrical infrastructure is common in his ward, with the recent one occurring last week on November 11 and another on the morning of November 14 in Lyttelton.

He said the suspects targeted mini-substations located in isolated areas on the sidewalk.

“The majority of these substations have already been hit a few times and they are stealing most of the cables and parts from the substations.”

Farquharson said these thefts have been happening for a while, but have become noticeable or more common in the past six months.

“The parts they steal usually cause power outages for about four to five blocks.”

The electricity department said it would support an initiative to install cages around electrical boxes as part of the Community Upliftment Precinct (CUP) initiative.

He said the duration of the outages would depend on how much of the surrounding infrastructure was damaged.

Farquharson said the substations are normally repaired within eight hours, but if more cables are stolen it could take up to three days to repair.

“This has been a very worrying issue, and we have not received much support from the SAPS, who should be patrolling and stopping thefts in this way,” he added.

Ward 66 councilor Ina Strijdom said theft has been going on in some areas in Valhalla for almost a year.

“They steal cables from the underground and go to the poles. They cut about half a meter of cable, causing a power outage that will last about 15 to 20 hours.”

Strijdom said the suspects broke into the mini-substations in the Hennops Park industrial area and stole the bush bars.

“This is causing a problem for factories in the area as they are left without electricity for about nine hours while they wait for repairs.”

She urged residents to report any suspicious activity near electrical infrastructure, including mini-substations, meter boxes and street lamp posts, to law enforcement agencies and ward councilors in their area.

The frequent power outages resulting from these thefts have caused businesses to suffer from having to operate without electricity for long periods of time.

Nico Botha, owner of Sasol Garage in Lyttelton, said the ongoing power cuts have cost him money.

Botha said he often relies on a generator to provide power to both his garage and the business above it.

He said this situation is worrying because he has to spend more on generator maintenance, which causes financial stress.

“Another problem we have is that when the electricity comes back on after a power outage, some electrical components, including camera systems in the back office, become damaged.”

Councilor Johan Van Burren of Ward 79 also expressed concern about the suffering residents are experiencing due to unplanned power outages, which disrupt security systems and create opportunities for criminal activity.

“The theft has been going on for some time, but it is difficult to determine exactly when it started.”

He said that while the suspects target cable and meter boxes, what they steal in each region differs from the next.

“We have also noticed that the suspects are looking for old meters, but we don’t know why because the value of copper is very low,” he said.

Van Burren added that the power outages that occur as a result of the theft are unplanned and take a very long time to repair, causing a lot of inconvenience to residents in the area.

“Some residents have security systems that rely on electricity, so when the power goes out it gives criminals the opportunity to carry out their dodgy transactions.”

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city depends on the SAPS to investigate and arrest perpetrators.

“After arrest, matters relating to these thefts will be dealt with by the SAPS.”

Mashigo said the metro welcomes donations for safety improvements under the CUP initiative.

Merle Kruger from Staden of Lyttelton CPF said the thieves targeted specific parts of the meter box.

“The thefts often take place three nights in a row, but there is no specific pattern.

These unknown suspects have stolen many of the smaller boxes, but since we found out what they are going for, they have now moved to the mini substations.”

Van Staden says it is difficult to find out when and how often thefts occur in the area.

“The CPF has taken additional measures to address the situation, including night patrols by CPF members.”

Rekord contacted police spokesperson Johan Van Dyk for comment, but had not received any comment at the time of going to press.

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