City of Cape Town electricity teams have worked hard to replace and repair damaged infrastructure caused by theft and vandalism to supply cables at the City’s Gugulethu Substation, the City says. This caused a large power outage in Gugulethu and Manenberg on Monday, 4 April 2022.
Supply was rerouted to ensure residents had access to power while the repair work continued. Some R160 000 worth of damage was caused and communities were left without power, but the worst consequence of the vandalism was the severe injuries caused to four energy contractors, one staff member and a member of the public when a power surge from the damage caused a cable to explode.
The injured City staffer and contractors are still in hospital. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, visited the wife of the City staffer who remains in serious condition to wish them well and to deliver with a care hamper.
“This shows the absolutely devastating consequences of vandalism, theft and illegal connections. The City calls members of the public to come forward with any information on this incident. There are rewards on offer for information leading to the arrest of perpetrators and the recovery of stolen goods. Please approach the South African Police Service with information.
“We condemn the extreme pain and suffering that has been caused from this incidence of vandalism.
“We are grateful to the City staff for attending to this outage in such a short time, under trying conditions. We urge our residents to stand with us against the scourge of theft and vandalism. As Team Cape Town, we can work together to tackle vandalism of community infrastructure,” said Councillor Van Reenen.
Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:
- SMS: 31220
- Email: [email protected]
Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:
Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
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R1 million electricity vandalism damage puts a dark cloud over Cape Town
Picture: City of Cape Town