City Power employee and former sub-contractor nabbed for cable theft
A City Power employee and a former sub-contractor have been arrested after they were caught while trying to unearth and steal a cable in Randburg on Thursday afternoon.
The arrests come after community members tipped off City Power officials.
The 30-year-old electrician working at the Randburg Service Delivery Centre was caught working with a crew from a former sub-contractor in Cedar Creek.
The 90-metre-long cable that was nearly stolen is estimated to cost over R100 000.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says continued collaboration between residents and the utility could lead to more arrests.
“While we are deeply concerned by the news, we are pleased that the internal processes coupled with collaboration with communities is starting to bear fruits. The area of Randburg has in recent weeks, suffered many incidents of rampant theft and vandalism, which have unfortunately left our residents without power, often for prolonged days.
“This arrest comes at the back of a meeting that was held this week between residents, councilors, and City Power officials in Randburg. The meeting is part of the campaign to discuss work with communities in mitigating against the rampant scourge of cable theft and vandalism across the city.
“Coincidentally, in that Randburg meeting, we urged residents to be vigilant and always ask for a permit whenever they see people working on our network, even if they are wearing city power clothing and carrying legitimate work access cards” added Mangena.
On Tuesday night, two City Power security guards were held hostage by criminals who stole cables at the Alexandra substation.
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