After being bombarded by questions about power cuts, the Northsider launched an investigation to determine the root of the problem in Strubens Valley.
It was quickly determined while taking a tour with Ward 97 Councillor Jaco Engelbrecht that the area had fallen victim to cable theft leading to a number of ongoing reports on the case of the stolen copper cable and its ripple effect on electricity supply.
At first the Northsider reported on one part of the cable that was stolen then a second part. Much to resident’s relief, the cable was eventually replaced. The joy did not last long when it was discovered that the whole cable was once again stolen.
Up to date that is the list of theft episodes that has unfolded in mysterious case of the Strubens Valley copper cable.
Engelbrecht who took photos of the different cases of theft has since submitted them to Solomon Bhengu and Deon de Beer from City Power.
“The theft of power cables is an increasing phenomenon as criminals are after the copper of these cables. They sell it for a low price, with the consequence of the City needing to replace the cables and the cost the City faces is much more than the price at which the criminals sell the copper,” said Engelbrecht.
The Northsider is still awaiting a response from City Power.
