KNYSNA NEWS - The municipality has strongly condemned incidents of cable theft and vandalism to its infrastructure throughout the greater municipal area. 

"We are experiencing an increase in incidents of copper cable theft," said Acting Municipal Manager Johan Jacobs. 

"Over the weekend of 29 April to 1 May, service connections worth thousands of rand were stolen. The estimated annual loss due to copper theft amounts to millions."

Jacobs said that this was not an isolated incident. 

"While we have reported this matter to the police, we are establishing a task team to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended, investigated and brought to book in court. Theft and vandalism are serious crimes, as is tampering with the electrical grid," he said.

Stealing electricity

Unauthorised, illegal connections are still being made to the municipal electrical grid. "This kind of interference is extremely dangerous and, as we have a moral obligation to keep our residents safe, we will remove these connections," said Jacobs.

"We also have a legal and statutory responsibility to remove these illegal connections and will hold those who have made such connections or allowed such connections to be made to their supply responsible for their actions."

South African law expects of municipalities to disconnect the supply of electricity to any premises, to restrict credit purchases for prepayment meters and to issue fines where illegal, unauthorised tampering to the grid has occurred, Jacobs said. "These connections do not only amount to theft. It is also a form of vandalism that can have a negative impact on the electrical supply to law-abiding ratepayers."

Water networks damaged

Vandalism of the area's water networks has resulted in great damage to treatment works, the storm water and even sewer systems. "Our sewers are designed to be self-cleansing, yet we receive an average of 144 sewer complaints per month," he continued.

"These calls often reveal rubbish and building rubble blocking our lines and manholes, and even buckets used by thieves for 'mining' purposes. This vandalism not only poses a threat to the health of our estuary, but also the continued delivery of services."

Water safety and residents' basic human right of access to potable water are compromised when theft or vandalism takes place at reservoirs or pump stations. 

"The municipality must use funds often budgeted for other purposes to repair damage caused by thieves and vandals," said Jacobs. "And they are infringing on their and their community's right to clean water."

Report these crimes

He urged residents to report any suspicions of cable theft, tampering with the electrical grid or vandalism immediately. "Don't let these criminals steal from you or potentially disrupt your services, but report their actions through the appropriate channels.

"We must take collective ownership of our infrastructure to build an inclusive, innovate and inspired Knysna."

You can report cable theft or illegal electrical connections on 044 302 6397/399 during normal office hours, and you can report vandalism to municipal infrastructure on 044 302 6331/334 during office hours. After hours, reports can be made on 044 302 8911.

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