City Power said that increased cable theft, vandalism, and now the added pressure of ramped-up power cuts had resulted in its system becoming more constrained.
The utility said that it had recorded 41 incidents of cable theft and vandalism over the last week alone.
The electricity service provider has flagged how vulnerable its system has become since rolling blackouts were intensified.
Power cuts were ramped up to stage 6 this week amid an ongoing wage strike at some Eskom power stations.
On Friday morning, Eskom announced that power cuts would be downgraded to stage 4 until 4 pm on Friday afternoon but stage 6 would return thereafter.
City Power’s Isaac Mangena said that all the theft and vandalism incidents occurred during blackouts.
“Unfortunately, in our efforts to inform the residents so that they can plan their lives properly, criminals also use that to plan their evil ways. We have extra security personnel who we deploy in areas where there is load shedding and that’s why we’ve managed to arrest four suspects during this week,” Mangena said.
-EWN
In other news – Huge blow for fans as actress Shoki Mmola (Celia) leaves Skeem Saam
One of Mzansi’s hit TV soapies, Skeem Saam fans will be saddened to learn that their favourite actress Shoki Mmola is leaving the show after a decade with it.
Shoki portrayed Celia, who is married to Alfred Magongwa, played by Putla Sehlapelo. The actress constantly left viewers on the edge of their seats with her impressive acting prowess. Viewers of the show constantly praised her acting abilities on Twitter, but sadly she has left the show. Learn More
