By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
City Power is appealing to residents for information on criminals vandalising electricity infrastructure in Alexandra.
This after 18 mini-substations and transformers were vandalised at Alex between September 1 and 15, 2022.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said in the last few days that the utility has experienced a worrying increase in vandalism.
He said that their mini substations and transformers are targeted in a blatant manner, most with nothing stolen.
According to Mangena, most of these incidents happened during loadshedding , when there was no threat of electrocution.
“In the last two weeks, we have recorded at least seven incidents where our minisubstations were vandalised, locks broken, cables cut and left hanging, and switches damaged.
“There was only one incident where a cable and breakers were stolen.”
He stated that two of the incidents occurred at 8 Avenue, two at 7 Avenue, one at 6 Avenue and one at 11 Avenue J & M Flats.
“We also have another incident happening around Homestead in Bramley.
“All in all we have lost an estimated over 1000 meters of different size cables, and thousands of rands worth of equipment due to these criminal actives.
“We have reported these incidents to the police to investigate this criminality which borders on sabotage,” said Mangena.
Mangena said they will also approach the JMPD to increase patrols along “our electric installation so that these criminals can be arrested”.
“We are however concerned that most of these incidents happen in full view of the residents who do nothing and don’t report to the authorities.
“These vandalism incidents inconvenience the residents of Alexandra who are left without electricity for hours, if not days, after loadshedding.
“We appeal to the community, including the CPF and Safety Patrollers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around City Power infrastructure.”