Strubens Valley was covered in thick, stinking black smoke on Saturday morning as a large pile of electrical cable was set on fire in the greenbelt next to Krugerrand Road, opposite the Riverview shopping centre.
Upon arrival at the scene, several private security vehicles were already present as flames reached the overhead electricity cables in the greenbelt. The fire burned intensely with unusual green and blue hues at its base.
It was discovered that workers from a local construction company, who were working on a new shop for the shopping center, started the fire.
The site supervisor, unaware of the incident, was approached and informed of the situation.
Further investigation revealed that some workers took the electrical wires without permission to strip the insulation and sell the copper wire inside.
Workers sent by the supervisor attempted to put out the fire and eventually moved the burning cable under the bridge and into the stream.
Passers-by quickly gathered in the greenbelt, searching for copper cable among the ashes and in the stream. They collected plastic bags filled with copper cable and left the scene.
A company representative stated that the actions were not approved and the culprits would face consequences.
BCI Security attempted to contact the JMPD for assistance with illegal dumping and bylaw enforcement, but calls were unsuccessful.
An officer from JMPD was eventually called and promised to dispatch a vehicle, but no one arrived after nearly two hours.
Queries regarding the incident were directed to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Filha for more information.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.