The Overberg residents have been going through hard times lately – Pringle Bay residents had to evacuate their homes due to the devastating fires, residents in Bot River were left without water for days and not to mention the electricity problems throughout the Overberg.
According to a spokesperson for Eskom, one of the main causes of the electricity problems is cable theft.
He said: “Cable theft has become a big problem throughout South Africa due to the increasing demand for copper and other metals, which has led to rising prices and the temptation for thieves to steal cables for resale.”
Businesses across the Overberg agree that cable theft has a ripple effect on the economy and the past week’s vandalism and theft are hurting the infrastructure.
“According to reports copper theft is costing the South African economy an estimated R47 billion annually and there was 1 121 km of cable stolen in the 2022-’23 year alone,” a business in the Overberg commented.
Cases report
On 15 February Pearly Beach was without power since 04:00. “A case of damage to and theft of electrical infrastructure was opened at the Gansbaai Police Station,” said Municipal Manager of Overstrand Municipality Dean O’Neill.
On 17 February cable theft caused power outage in the Kleinbaai area. Said O’Neill: “Approximately 480 m of aluminium overhead cables were stolen when a pole was cut down between 22:00 on 16 February and 00:30 on 17 February, with an estimated damage of R72 000. A case of damage to and theft of electrical infrastructure was opened at the Gansbaai Police Station.”
He said the cable theft in the Gansbaai area continued to intensify.
“In the latest attempt in broad daylight the Pearly Beach overhead line was targeted on Sunday 18 February.”
Success
The Caledon sewer plant has been plagued with multiple copper theft incidents from 15 to 17 February and, according to a spokesperson the Theewaterskloof Municipality (TWK) was happy to announce that a suspect was arrested in Caledon on Sunday. “Cable theft was a high priority for TWK,” the spokesperson said, “and perpetrators will be brought to book and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. On Sunday 18 February three more suspects were seen entering the facility, but fled the scene when authorities were approaching.
“Later that morning a suspect matching the suspect’s description was seen in Caledon, and when approached by authorities tried to flee but was arrested by the police.”
The suspect appeared in the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for alleged copper theft, while the search continued for more suspects.
According to a press release the value of the copper stolen exceeds R1 million, and the operation of the sewer plant has been temporarily affected. “The cost of replacing cables and damaged infrastructure affects the lives of residents and impacts businesses, which leads to job losses. Unplanned power outages or delays in operations as a result of cable theft is unacceptable.”
All residents are asked to report any suspicious activity regarding cable theft or any other damage to municipal infrastructure, to the Operational Command Centre of Theewaterskloof Municipality.. The public can contact the Anti-fraud toll-free number 0860 044 044; TWK: 080 021 4730 or 028 214 3300. Overstrand: 028 313 8111.