In February 2022, the most incidents of electricity vandalism and illegal connections that were recorded occurred in the metro’s Area North in areas such as Hanover Park, Heideveld, Athlone and Manenberg as well as in Atlantis and the central city areas of Woodstock and along Philip Kgosana Drive. City of Cape Town
A minimum of 72 faults is what the City of Cape Town’s electricity generation and distribution department dealt with in a space of 20 days in the Mfuleni area alone.
Most of the faults are due to ongoing illegal electricity connections to the City’s infrastructure.
The City is now offering a reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest, confiscation of stolen or illegal goods or the handing-in of illegal or stolen goods.
According to the City, the incidents occurred between Wednesday 1 June and Tuesday 21 June. The City said illegal connections and damage to electricity infrastructure remain a challenge across the metro.
These often result in constant electricity outages in certain areas, including Mfuleni, which is supplied by both Eskom and the City.
Eskom is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of its infrastructure, where the City supplies electricity within Mfuleni.
“This week we visited Mfuleni to have a look at the extent of vandalism and illegal connections in the area,” said Beverley van Reenen, Mayco Member for Energy.
“It is alarming to see the amount of illegal connections and vandalised infrastructure, and we simply cannot allow this to continue.”
She added that constant repairs are not feasible and they place significant pressure on City resources.
“When the City disconnects illegal connections, criminals often reconnect and vandalise infrastructure even further, leaving many homes without electricity for extended periods.
“We are offering a reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest, confiscation of stolen or illegal goods or the handing-in of illegal or stolen goods.”
Van Reenen said this reward is also applicable to information leading to the arrest of people vandalising, damaging or stealing electricity infrastructure or installing illegal connections.
She called on all communities to stand up and work with the City to protect community infrastructure.
- Residents can give anonymous tip offs by phoning 112 from a cellphone (toll-free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
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