WC criminals targeting electricity substations leave Belhar residents in the dark
At least six substations have been vandalised over the past three weeks.
Marina Van Biljon (L) and her daughter, Nika, do homework during load shedding in Frankfort on May 10, 2023. Picture: Shiraaz MOHAMED / AFP
CAPE TOWN - Residents in parts of Belhar are still without power as criminals continue to target electricity substations in the area.
At least six substations have been vandalised over the past three weeks.
A ward councillor for one of the affected areas, Willie Jaftha, says Eskom has temporarily repaired two substations in Trombone and Uiterwyk streets on Monday afternoon.
However, four substations remain offline.
Eskom's Western Cape spokesperson, Kyle Cookson, said: "With the recent surge in vandalism, Eskom has adopted a hands-off approach, pausing repairs until the community has been engaged. Only then will Eskom repair the vandalised equipment. Eskom had a community engagement yesterday [Monday] with the Belhar community, and repairs are ongoing.”
He added that damaging any public infrastructure is unacceptable.
"Eskom condemns these crimes that leave communities in the dark, and urges residents to work with authorities to stop all forms of vandalism to Eskom, and other essential services and infrastructure.”