The electricity distributor’s spokesperson, Lele Mamatu, says over the past three months they have witnessed a growing trend in incidents of theft and vandalism in Botshabelo, which resulted in the loss of revenue and increased replacement costs.

Mamatu says earlier this week, Centlec’s internal investigators received a tip off from members of the community, informing them of ongoing vandalism and theft of some of its infrastructure.

Mamatu says the matter has been reported to the police and a case of theft and vandalism of valuable infrastructure opened. No arrests have been made so far and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators discovered several items - including high mast steel doors, meter box doors, earth wires, prepaid meters, circuit breakers, locks, air deck towers and electricity cables - were stolen or vandalised in different sections of Botshabelo.

“The manner in which this incident occurred and the planning behind all these acts strongly suggest that this is the work of an  unknown syndicate operating in this area. These acts have had a negative impact on the supply of electricity to the communities of Botshabelo,” says Mamatu.

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