City Power cracks down on copper thieves, vandals
City Power believes it has made significant breakthroughs in the fight against copper cable theft and vandalism in Johannesburg.
MMC for Environment Infrastructure Services Department Mpho Moerane has set a target of reducing the theft of copper cables and vandalism by 20% in the next six months.
"In a period of six days, multiple arrests have been made in various areas," says City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.
"On Sunday, 9 January, police arrested a suspect who was digging up City Power underground cables at Roodepoort Sports Club.
"On the same day, two copper cable thieves damaged a pole-to-ground supply cable, also in Roodepoort.
"A member of the community came forward with CCTV footage showing the suspects damaging the electricity network.
"The suspects are known in the area and their arrest is imminent."
Another suspect was arrested in Roodepoort the following day after he was spotted opening and removing fuses from a miniature substation.
"On Friday, two suspects were nabbed at Chloorkop, in Kempton Park, whilst preparing to sell copper cable to a scrap metal dealer," says Mangena.
"About 15 meters of single core copper cable valued at about R6 000 was recovered.
"The suspects who are allegedly sub-contracted to City Power were working at Robertsham substation which was gutted by fire in October 2021.
Meanwhile two men who were arrested in November 2021, have been found guilty for damage to and theft of essential infrastructure crimes at Booysens Magistrate’s Court and sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
"Partnership with communities, sector policing forums, the security industry and law enforcement agencies is the only sustainable solution to protect our electricity network infrastructure," Mangena says.
