Electricity Cable Stolen for the 7th Conservative Time at Soshanguve Block WW, UU, VV

By: Prince Neo Mokwena

Image Source: Supplied/ Cable stolen at Mongwane Street Block VV.

On 19 August 2023 an electricity supply cable was stolen at Mongwane Street right next to Shaka Residence. This is the 7th time this cable is being stolen since 2023 began, and it supplies Soshanguve Block WW, UU, and VV residents with electricity.

The theft of this cable has left Soshanguve Block WW, UU, and VV residents extremely furious, as this is a constantly recuring crime within the community. Prior to this, in the month of August alone the cable had been stolen twice in April, July, and once in June.

The last time the cable was stolen which was on 19 August 2023, the residents of block WW, VV, and UU stayed without electricity for four days. This resulted in the community to take it upon themselves to resolve this issue. Block VV, WW, and UU took to the streets to protest, and the protest lasted for the entire four days.

“Tshwane says they are not sure when they will be restoring the lights due to the ongoing strike it may be today or later or even tomorrow, nobody is sure when the lights will be restored.”, says Hlengani an active community member.

“This is not right; appliances are damaged on a daily basis. This is really uncalled for. It’s about time that this comes to an end. Let’s join hands and do something about this please.” Says, Sibanyoni whom is a resident of block UU.

Image Source: Thabang/ Angry Block VV, UU, and WW residents protesting.

The angry residents blocked Ruth First Road which is the commonly used road to enter other parts of Soshanguve such as Block L, and neighbouring townships like Mabopane. Umphafa Street, Mongwane, Street and Umkhangele Street were also blocked by protestors.

The community burned tires and used large rocks to block the road. This matter escalated as far as some community members telling the councillor that she is not going home until electricity is restored.

Since this is the seventh time this electricity supply cable is being stolen, SAPS Soshanguve still does not have any suspects of the crime, and it has never arrested anyone for this particular crime. It seems as though no one knows who is really behind this crime.

The local residents however, suspect Tshwane workers who are on strike, as they believe that a person who is stealing this cable is a professional.

Tshwane has not communicated any solutions to prevent future theft of this cable within this particular community. Due to that, the community saw it necessary to hold a meeting together to discuss solutions to this matter.

 As a quick security measure, the community bought bags of cement and concrete to pour over the area where the cable is located at. The cement was poured over the cable in order to prevent the cable from being easily stolen.

Few of the solutions the community came up with, were to have patrollers to safeguard the cable. Also, households were requested to contribute R20, and also install camera’s next to the cable.