[PICTURES] Tshwane mayor blames criminal vandalism for N4 pylon collapse

The 132KV powerlines fell on the N4 freeway and  resulted in a power outage affecting large parts of Pretoria East and North. 

The initial assessment indicates that at least six powerline structures have collapsed and are badly damaged. 

The incident has led to the closure of the N4 freeway east between Solomon Mahlangu and Simon Vermooten off-ramps. 

"I have been informed by councillors that there have been several attempts over a period of time to steal the metal that forms part of the pylon structure, there possibility that this is in fact what happened last night," said Brink. 

"There is a very strong possibility that this is because of criminal vandalism -  the extent of the problem is enormous." 

Affected areas include the whole of Mamelodi, Waltloo, Silverton, Silver Lakes, Faerie Glen, Equestria, Mooikloof, Doornpoort, Waterval, Grootvlei East, Grootvlei West, Bultfontein, Rooiwal, Vastfontein extension, Lyttleton, Die Hoewes and a portion of Moreletapark. 

City officials say there is no estimated time for power restoration yet but councillors in the area fear it might take up to a week to have some suburbs connected again.

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