Illegal connections, power theft increase since Covid-19 lockdown
25 April 2021
Between July 2020 and March 2021, the City of Cape Town has spent more than R15,5 million on repairing and replacing City electricity infrastructure damaged by vandalism, theft and illegal connections across the metro. There have been an increase in incidents since the national Covid-19 lockdown started. Area South in the metro is the most affected. These illegal actions impact service delivery to residents, communities and road users, and help is needed to stop the scourge.
In recent months, Jakes Gerwel Drive streetlights, Strandfontein Road streetlights and Pelican Park streetlight infrastructure were targeted by criminals and criminal syndicates.
The City urges members of the public to report illegal activities to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or to the City’s 107 emergency number.
The City’s Electricity teams continue to repair and replace vandalised and stolen electricity infrastructure, which has been a severe challenge especially since the national lockdown last year. But the City needs the help of residents to protect infrastructure and to bring criminals to book. Electricity theft and illegal connections are often driven by well-oiled criminal syndicates, which operate across communities.
Hotspots
Area South is the most affected. Close to R8 million has been spent between July 2020 and March 2021 on repairing damaged infrastructure in the region. Area South includes Philippi, Mitchells Plain, Muizenberg, and Wynberg.
Jakes Gerwel Drive streetlights, Strandfontein Road streetlights and Pelican Park streetlight infrastructure were targeted by criminals and criminal syndicates recently
‘We appeal to residents to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities near electricity infrastructure or to provide any leads on electricity tampering. Every bit of help to curb this extreme waste of City resources and reduce the discomfort and heightened security risks to our communities will make a difference. The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains the lead authority in crime prevention.
‘The City is rolling out underground cabling, where it is possible, as a way to circumvent illegal connections, but this does take time. Unfortunately, illegal connections have increased since the start of the national lockdown last year, which often results in equipment damage and almost constant electricity outages in some areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:
SMS: 31220
Email: power@capetown.gov.za
Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:
Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections 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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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
