During the weekend residents were threatened that squatters will find them in the night because they’re being reported for illegal connections.
The situation has escalated regarding substations in Pannevis Street, as predicted by ward councillors Carl Mann and Gert Niemand less than a month ago. Illegal connections are being made in broad daylight. According to Mann, this strain on the residents of Pannevis Street and surrounds comes after the substation in Albertina Sisulu Road near WAD Auctioneers and Dash was moved to a safer location, a wall being built around it.
More: Cable thieves beware: Bill being fast-tracked
“Now that the substation on that road has become inaccessible to izinyoka (people making illegal connections), they’re moving their operations to Pannevis Street, among others, terrorising the neighbourhood,” he said.
On Sunday chaos erupted as residents were confronted by izinyoka, making illegal connections. JMPD and City Power officials were contacted by Mann and subsequently, the connections were removed. Residents say they have been told, “We will come to you in the night.”
“If you report us, we will burn your houses.”
More: Squatters strip torched house
One resident said she saw more izinyoka at the upper substation on Pannevis Street on Monday morning and had to take an alternative route to the pharmacy.
“Guys were standing guard with pangas, warning one another of any activity in the street.”
More: Pannevis torching: A family destroyed
In her case they are three women living alone in the house who feel very threatened by the situation. She alleges neighbours have already started putting their houses up for sale, not willing to see the issue through.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
