The EMPD’s newly-established Anti Cable Theft Unit is working with the SAPS and private security companies to combat cable theft and vandalism.
This is according to Themba Gadeba, the Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson.
He was reacting to the theft of a number of feeder cables in some parts of Boksburg since the beginning of the year. Recently, three feeder cables were stolen in Plantation, Boksburg South and Atlas Road on the very same day.
Ward 22 Clr Ruhan Robinson and Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos has called for the metro to put in security measures to secure the cables.
A petition against cable theft is being run by Robinson, which calls for a solution from the Ekurhuleni municipality’s side to prevent cable theft.
According to Gadebe, the stolen cables were replaced on the same day and power was restored.
“The challenge with the period it takes to fix some of the power supply interruptions is that it takes about six to eight hours to repair high voltage cables on average,” said Gadebe.
“In order to prevent issues of cable theft, we have a private security company that guard the electrical network cables. As part of the conditions of service, the security company pays for the cables that get stolen as well as the repairs.”
Gadebe said there have been incidents of violence that have resulted in two security guards being killed by cable thieves.
Inspector Kobeli Mokheseng, EMPD acting spokesperson, has urged the public to report suspicious people who are seen digging in the wee hours of the morning.
“The Anti Cable Theft Unit patrol areas where there are cables and they also tackle crime prevention by being visible in communities.
“We, however, cannot be at one place at the same time. This is why it is important for the members of the public to alert us whenever they see suspicious activities.
“We work with SAPS and private security companies to arrest cable thieves,” Mokheseng said.
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