Load shedding is aggravating cable theft and the wrecking of electrical infrastructure in Manenberg, but residents can turn things around by reporting the culprits, says Manenberg police spokesman Captain Ian Bennett.
“Vandalising of critical infrastructure is a huge problem. They steal it in front of people’s homes, so somebody probably sees this, but nobody comes to report it,” said Captain Bennett.
Repairs to critical infrastructure damaged by such theft and vandalism ran into millions of rand, he said.
“They not only cut pieces, but complete cables are stolen. Everybody wants their lights on and everybody wants repairs to be done immediately, but nobody wants to report the theft or vandalism. The community must stand up to stop vandalism by reporting those responsible for it.”
However, Vernon Visagie, chairman of the Manenberg Community Police Forum, said they were flooded with calls from members of the public wanting to report cable theft and vandalism.
“Cable theft is a massive problem in the Manenberg policing precinct, which includes Heideveld and other surrounding areas. We are inundated with calls. This is the other side of the coin. We give the information to SAPS, but people are feeling despondent because they still see the same people roaming the streets,” Mr Visagie said.
Municipal contractors and staff have also come under attack while trying to do maintenance and repairs in the area, and they often need to be escorted by the police to ensure their safety.
Last month, mayoral committee member for energy Beverley van Reenen and mayoral committee member for safety JP Smith launched an energy safety team to help law enforcement protect critical electricity infrastructure and to support maintenance workers.
In a statement, the City said it had allocated an additional budget this financial year to support law-enforcement deployment, enhance security at key points and increase monitoring of critical electricity infrastructure.
“Our teams are on the ground for maintenance and repairs on a daily basis so that our residents have safe and reliable electricity supply. However, our infrastructure takes a hammering due to Eskom’s load shedding at higher stages, as well as continued vandalism and theft of infrastructure by criminals,” Ms Van Reenen said.
“City officials work in extremely difficult circumstances at times and have been robbed of their personal belongings in some instances while delivering services in communities. Since the launch of the new team, our officials are able to carry out work in hot-spot areas safely and attend to more service requests.
“The City has seen an increase in the number of vandalism-related incidents in recent months with more than 350 incidents recorded in the first quarter of the year. The Mowbray district is the worst affected with more than 120 recorded vandalism and theft incidents for the first quarter.”
SMS 31220 or email power@capetown.gov.za to report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure. Anonymous tip-offs to 0800 1100 77 are welcomed and a reward of R5 000 will be given if the tip-offs lead to arrests.
