Postmasburg has been suffering under what has been dubbed a “cable theft attack”, where Tsantsabane Local Municipality has been hit by serious vandalism to its infrastructure over the past two weeks.
POSTMASBURG has been suffering from what has been dubbed a “cable theft attack”, where Tsantsabane Local Municipality has been hit by serious theft and vandalism to its infrastructure over the past two weeks.
It is believed that criminals are taking advantage of Eskom’s load shedding sessions.
Community members pointed out that the cable theft happens whenever there is load shedding because the cables are not “live” (carrying electricity) during this time.
Concerns have been raised regarding the escalating acts of theft and vandalism that have left households and businesses without electricity, as well as contributing to water interruptions and sewage spillages.
The industrial side of the mining town was hard-hit last week, with cable thieves targeting one point while repairs were being done at another point.
The latest incident was reported on Sunday, May 8, involving pumps 1 and 2 in Boichoko.
Tsantsabane Municipality confirmed on Tuesday that pumps were stolen and electric panels and cables were also taken.
Three back-up generators were also stripped at the same time.
Vlei pump station was also vandalised earlier in the month and panels and cables were stolen.
Two boreholes have also been “stripped” recently.
The municipality has meanwhile assured residents that the Boichoko sewage blockages will be resolved by Thursday this week.
A contractor has been roped in to work on the matter.
Tsantsabane municipal manager Gaonyadiwe Mathobela said that two contractors had to be appointed to restore the electricity supply in the industrial area after theft and vandalism over the Workers’ Day long weekend.
Mathobela explained that cables were cut in two different areas within the space of three days.
“We attended to the first damage on Monday, which was a public holiday, and while the replacement work was in progress another area was targeted on Wednesday. The damage has not been completely attended to,” said Mathobela.
He added that it is estimated that the damage to the generators at the pump station could cost the municipality R2 million.
Criminal charges have been opened with the police, while the municipality has beefed up security on its infrastructure.
The municipality has also urged residents to contact the local authority or the police with any information that can lead to the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal acts.
