Central SA
Cable theft leaves Hoopstad and Hertzogville in the dark─── OLEBOGENG MOTSE 12:28 Sat, 26 Jun 2021
Residents in Hoopstad and Hertzogville in the Free State were left in the dark on Friday evening, when electrical cables at a nearby substation were cut and stolen.
Spokesperson for Eskom in the Free State, Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg, says the affected areas around the two towns include, Tikwana Township, Oppermansdrift, Kameeldoring and Ferdinand in which over 3800 people live.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and urge customers to treat all electrical installations as live and dangerous at all time. It is estimated that supply should be restored by this afternoon,” says Van Rensburg.
The power utility condemns the theft in light of the financial losses incurred in replacing the cables as well as the inconvenience that is endured by other citizens.
In October 2020, Eskom Chief Executive Officer (CEO), André de Ruyter, revealed that cable theft costs the financially burdened utility about R50 million per annum. He revealed that since 2015, reported cable theft incidents countrywide have risen. Roughly 1458 incidents of cable theft are reported every year. De Ruyter says they are working alongside law enforcement agencies to ensure that the situation is kept under control.
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