City Power battles increasing cable theft in Johannesburg CBD
Johannesburg City Power has raised concerns about a rise in cable theft across the central business district (CBD), which is causing widespread disruption to residents and businesses.
The escalating criminal activity is not only resulting in power outages but also posing serious safety risks to the perpetrators themselves.
Selby Distributor Targeted
On Tuesday, cables were allegedly stolen from the Selby central distributor, plunging parts of the CBD into darkness. The incident highlights the growing trend of cable theft that has become a major challenge for the city’s utility provider.
Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for Johannesburg City Power, confirmed the theft and the impact it has had on local residents and businesses.
“This has left many people in the dark and disrupted operations in the affected areas,” Mangena said.
Criminals Targeting Underground Tunnels
Mangena revealed that criminals are increasingly targeting underground tunnels where essential power cables are housed. These thefts often lead to severe consequences for the thieves, including fatalities.
“Tunnels underground are being targeted by criminals, who sometimes end up dying in the process,” Mangena said.
Cable theft is not only a danger to those committing the crime but also a public safety hazard, as it exposes live wires and can cause power surges or outages that endanger the community.
Collaborating with Authorities
Johannesburg City Power is actively working with local authorities, including health and safety officials and the police, to tackle the problem.
“This is something that we are taking up with authorities to address theft and vandalism,” Mangena explained.
The utility is urging law enforcement to prioritize cable theft cases and help curb this growing issue, which is affecting the city’s infrastructure and economy.
Ongoing Repairs and Challenges
In addition to battling theft and vandalism, Johannesburg City Power teams are occupied with repairing the damage caused by these crimes. Mangena emphasized that these efforts place additional strain on resources, delaying restoration of power to affected areas.
While the utility works on maintaining and repairing infrastructure, the recurring theft of cables adds to operational challenges, increasing costs and prolonging outages.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
Cable theft has far-reaching consequences for the CBD’s residents and businesses. Prolonged outages disrupt daily life, halt business operations, and increase safety concerns, particularly in areas that rely on consistent electricity for security systems and lighting.
Many businesses in the CBD have reported significant financial losses due to downtime caused by power cuts. Residents, especially those living in high-rise apartments, face challenges such as disrupted water supply due to non-functional pumps and lack of lighting in common areas.
Rising Costs of Cable Theft
Cable theft is not only a public safety issue but also a costly problem for utility providers. Johannesburg City Power has reported millions of rands in losses due to stolen infrastructure. These costs include replacing stolen cables, repairing damaged equipment, and increasing security measures.
The financial burden ultimately falls on taxpayers, who bear the brunt of higher utility tariffs and reduced service quality.
Calls for Community Support
Mangena and Johannesburg City Power are urging community members to play a more active role in combating cable theft. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities near substations or underground tunnels.
“Collaboration between City Power, law enforcement, and the public is essential to address this issue effectively,” Mangena said.
Tougher Penalties for Cable Thieves
Utility providers and authorities are calling for stricter enforcement of laws and harsher penalties for individuals caught stealing cables. The government has previously discussed amending legislation to classify cable theft as a serious crime due to its impact on critical infrastructure.
A Growing Concern
The increase in cable theft highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and stronger collaboration between utility providers, law enforcement, and the community. Without decisive action, the problem will continue to disrupt lives, harm the economy, and endanger public safety.
Johannesburg City Power has reiterated its commitment to tackling cable theft but emphasized that the fight requires collective efforts.
“We remain committed to restoring power and protecting our infrastructure, but we need the support of authorities and the community to ensure the safety and reliability of electricity in the city,” Mangena concluded.
