By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-In-Chief
news@alexreporter.co.za
City Power expressed concern over the massive theft of network fuses, claiming that it contributes to most outages in areas such as Roodepoort.
The theft, power utility said, resulted in the theft of 267 fuses around Roodepoort alone since the start of this week, with the latest one occurring yesterday.
Spokesperson for City Power Isaac Mangena said most of the theft happens around Florida and in Roodepoort CBD.
Mangena said this new worrying criminal phenomenon comes closer to cable theft, which has been on the increase.
He indicated that the theft of fuses not only leads to constant outages that inconveniences the residents, but it also costs City Power millions.
“We appeal to the residents to be vigilant and assist us by reporting any suspicious activity around the electricity infrastructure.
” It is still not clear what the stolen fuses are used for, but we are engaging the police and Joburg Metro Police Department to assist us to curb this theft by arresting the perpetrators and ensure the punishment fits the crime – crime which we see as an economic sabotaged against the state,” said Mangena.
Mangena said City Power was also doing everything in its power to increase security patrols in the hotspots, and work with community policing forums, neighborhood watch security, to ensure it curbs the theft.
“We apologise to those customers already affected by this.
We are currently working to replace about 12 stolen fuses which affected power supply in the Roodepoort,” he said.
