Thieves in Newton Park, Gqeberha, recently executed a large-scale copper cable theft by posing as a municipal maintenance crew, according to local reports. Over the course of a weekend, the group replaced approximately 200 meters of copper power lines with cheaper aluminum conductors, leading the municipality to open a formal investigation into vandalism and unlawful interference with electrical infrastructure.
How the “Maintenance” Deception Unfolded
The operation began at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday, as a crew arrived in a truck and a bakkie to work on 5th Avenue. According to video footage and resident accounts, the individuals used a cherry-picker to access utility poles while diverting traffic with cones. The activity continued until 3:00 a.m. on Monday, with one resident even providing the group with refreshments, believing the work to be legitimate municipal maintenance.
By the time the cones were removed, the original copper lines—stretching between Willet and Lucas streets—had been stripped and replaced with a single, lower-grade aluminum conductor. Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya confirmed that the work was never authorized by the electricity depot, and the municipality has since referred the case to the safety and security directorate.
The Safety Risks of Substandard Installations
The unauthorized replacement of the power lines has created immediate electrical hazards for the surrounding community. Residents and local officials report that the installation was performed crudely, with the uninsulated aluminum conductor strung across cross-arms where multiple insulated copper conductors previously sat.
According to reports from residents, the new setup has already resulted in:
- Electrical Arcing: Sparks have been observed where the cable makes contact with metal crossbars.
- Voltage Fluctuations: Readings have reportedly spiked between 171V and 286V, far outside the standard 207V–253V range.
- Appliance Damage: Residents report damage to household electronics, including refrigerators, televisions, and geysers.
- Electrocution Hazards: The lack of proper insulation poses a direct risk to the public, particularly given the proximity of the Herbert Hurd Primary School.
What Official Channels Are Doing
Ward 7 councillor Brendon Pegram was alerted to the issue on Monday afternoon after residents reported dangerous conditions. Pegram contacted acting city manager Lonwabo Ngoqo to report that constituents were experiencing electric shocks when touching metal fixtures, such as taps, inside their homes.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that a case of copper cable theft is currently under investigation at the Mount Road police station. While a reporter tracked down one of the individuals involved outside the Walmer police station, the person did not provide a statement by the time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if a crew is authorized to work on my street?
According to municipal guidelines, all legitimate electrical work must be authorized by the electricity directorate. Residents are encouraged to contact their ward councillor or the local municipal electricity depot if they are unsure about the legitimacy of a crew working on public infrastructure.
What should I do if I see suspicious activity on utility poles?
Do not approach the individuals. Report the activity immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the municipality’s safety and security directorate. The municipality has urged stakeholders to work with law enforcement to protect public property.
Are these incidents happening elsewhere?
Yes. Ward 7 councillor Brendon Pegram noted that similar unauthorized work has been reported in Mowbray and Frank streets in Newton Park. The municipality also reports an increase in cable theft and vandalism across the metro, including in Walmer and Lorraine.
The municipality continues to call for proactive enforcement to curb the rising tide of infrastructure vandalism. Residents affected by voltage fluctuations or damage to property are encouraged to log their complaints through official municipal channels to ensure accurate tracking of the damage caused by the illegal installations.
