Cape Town experienced a shocking 201 incidents of electricity vandalism and illegal connections in the third quarter of 2023.
The district most affected was Mitchells Plain, Philippi, which made up almost half of the reported cases with a total of 85 incidents.
Electricity vandalism surges in Cape Town, Mitchells Plain, Phillipi at the epicentre
In September 2023, vandalism peaked with 81 incidents in Area South, 27 in Area North, and 18 in Area East.
Despite declines elsewhere, Mitchells Plain, including Lotus River, Grassy Park, and Philippi, faced a troubling increase in vandalism and illegal connections, marking them as hotspots.
In the past three months, these incidents resulted in approximately R4 million in costs, particularly with recurring damage in Philippi. Councillor Beverley van Reenen advocates collective action, stressing unity against criminal activities.
“To prevent additional harm, the City proactively involves enforcement agencies and urges residents to report suspicious activities, particularly near streetlights.”
The city’s plan to monitor hotspots
The City oversees 245,000 metro streetlights, with enforcement agencies actively countering theft and vandalism in hotspot areas. Report suspicious behavior to maintain infrastructure integrity.
Single streetlight issues are resolved within 14 days, and faults affecting multiple lights are addressed within 48 hours, where possible.
LOAD-SHEDDING FOR THE WEEKEND
Eskom has suspended load shedding due to the anticipated lower weekend electricity demand and adequate emergency reserves.
“Due to the anticipated lower weekend electricity demand and adequate emergency reserves, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Saturday, as previously communicated. Thereafter, loadshedding will be suspended until 16:00 on Monday. An update on the outlook of the next week will be announced on Sunday. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur,” said Eskom.
Eskom pleaded with the public to switch off non-essential appliances – in particular geysers and pool pumps – to reduce the demand, especially between 17:00 and 21:00.
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