Vandalised infrastructure on the 400 kV Vulcan transmission line
Power utility Eskom reports that its investigators, along with members of the Vosman South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Unit on March 8 arrested at least 14 suspects involved in alleged cable theft.
The suspects were arrested during the raid of premises in Vosman, Mpumalanga. Large volumes of cables, comprising aluminium and copper, were found stored on multiple premises, including that of a scrap metal dealer in eMalahleni.
In the past week, Eskom experienced several theft and vandalism incidents on the 400 kV Vulcan transmission line in the region.
"The repeated crime incidents contributed to Eskom having to declare a ‘major incident’, as a result of the extensive damage, loss of supply to thousands of customers and increased safety risks. Towers on the line were twisted and severely damaged and the roads in the region were also blocked with the fallen electrical lines," Eskom says.
Following intensive investigations, the joint SAPS/Eskom team visited a scrap metal dealer in eMalahleni. Large amounts of copper cables were found loaded on a truck that was ready to off-load at the facility. The truck driver was arrested. He pointed out a residential property in Vosman, where he had collected the stolen cables earlier. More copper cables were found at the premises, all of which was prepared and ready for shipment.
Further investigations revealed that some security personnel deployed to protect the Eskom line were also involved with the syndicate, Eskom points out.
"Cable theft continuously affects business operations and hampers the provision of basic essential services to industries and communities.
"Between the various State-owned companies, namely Eskom, Transnet, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and Telkom combined, the direct losses incurred culminate to more than R7-billion a year. The knock-on loss to the economy is estimated at R187-billion," comments Eskom head of security Advocate Karen Pillay.
Eskom adds that such levels of criminality undermine the ability of the State-owned companies to deliver much-needed services such as electricity, rail and communications, besides other.
"As a result, power cuts and the implementation of load-shedding, are also exacerbated. Load-shedding is estimated to cost the South African economy R17-million an hour. This poses a significant and direct impact on the recovery of the South African economy," the utility points out.
Eskom urges all scrap metal dealers, foundries and smelters to refrain from buying stolen cables. Members of the public are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Eskom Crime Line number on 0800 11 27 22 or the Crime Stop Hotline on 086 00 10111.