The residents of large parts of Birchleigh in Kempton Park greeted 2025 with no power for the first seven days due to two separate incidences of cable theft at mini substations.
In the first incident on 2 January, cables were stolen from the mini substation on the corner of Mathumi and Ysterhout Street. The substation was repaired five days later.
Cable thieves, however, also targeted another mini substation in Maroela Street on the same day. The power supply was restored two days later.
Frustrated residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the Ekurhuleni Metro’s failure to protect critical infrastructure to the FF Plus.
It seems the same criminals are targeting mini substations in the neighbourhood.
The fact that Ekurhuleni spends millions on security, but substations are left unguarded is unacceptable.
The FF Plus will raise the issue with the first council meeting of 2025, and demand answers and solutions.
Security measures for critical infrastructure should be prioritised and private security companies could be called upon to provide support in this regard.
Residents pay good money for services, but their tax money is being used for needless repair work necessitated by criminality.
The Metro has a duty to protect infrastructure and residents’ interests against crime.
