ESKOM N7 CABLE THEFT

The Bothasig Residents’ Association (BRA) recently met with the Milnerton Police to find ways to prevent cable theft, something that has affected the area a lot recently. Milnerton Police covers the area along the N7 highway where the cables are often vandalized. Mario Borchards, BRA chairman, met with two members from the Milnerton Police Station on Tuesday the 12th of November 2024, to talk about their efforts to protect the community from repeat incidents of cable theft.

In the early hours of Saturday the 26th of October 2024, large parts of Bothasig were without power which lasted for almost three days. This after cable thieves stole electrical cables located in the ground of the premises next to the N7 and close to Plattekloof Road. Eskom repaired the cables, but the area was targeted again soon after, although that the power was not out for as long.

Below is a clip of the moment the power went out in the area that you can click on:

Key meeting points:
One of the points discussed in the meeting included that the police would continue to carry out regular patrols in the high-risk areas, with a view to visibility. This will also include a cooperative patrol system. The police and residents’ association will try and put together a timetable with other security structures in the community, to improve coverage of the area and response time. The community remains committed to acting visibly and proactively against cable theft and by working together with the Milnerton police it will strengthen the community’s safety as well.

Steps to protect cables:
No new incidents of cable theft have been reported since patrols were implemented and Eskom also deployed security personnel to the affected area. Milnerton police have also indicated they will approach the refineries to request access to their CCTV for additional support. The police also suggested that Eskom should consider ways to make cable theft more difficult for would-be thieves. The Bothasig residents’ association indicated that they would hold regular meetings to stay informed, to review progress and to maintain communication.

Assistance:
Neal de Wit, owner of Precinct Response, says that so far, they have been the company that has already carried out multiple arrests in the Bothasig policing area in connection with cable theft. “We are proactive in the fight against cable theft.” Neal says that it is not easy for the police to fight the battle the alone, while the community has to cope without power. Precinct Response also regularly steps in to serve the community during these incidents by helping arrange standby power supply for seniors to keep their mobile phones charged and their medicine cold. Houshold gas has also been arranged with the help of local businesses, which then gets used to heat water or cook food for seniors, the most vulnerable. Neil says, “We will continue to fight the battle and will also provide help.”