A massive and brazen attempted theft of transformers by an alleged cable theft syndicate which involved a Tshwane employee was foiled by intrepid community members at the Claudius Substation in Laudium, south of the city, this afternoon.
The vigilant community members noticed an unusual activity at the substation, with an employee from Energy & Electricity Department and his associates who had arrived at the substation in a fleet of marked and unmarked trucks, with an assortment of equipment, including an expensive crane.
The syndicate had removed two MVA transformers from the plinth with the other one already dismantled, awaiting to be loaded onto a flat-bed truck.
What triggered the curiosity of the community was that the city had not issued any notice of maintenance due to take place at the substation and there was power supply in the area.
The community members contacted the Cable Theft Unit of TMPD who, together with SAPS members, swiftly responded and arrested a few suspects, including a Tshwane employee.
Other suspects managed to flee the scene.
The city has lost billions of rand in the recent past due to theft and vandalism of infrastructure by an obviously highly organised syndicate, who couldn’t have pulled off such massive and daring theft without the collusion and active participation of city employees.
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler was livid at the alleged involvement of a Tshwane employee in the commission of this crime and, also praised community members for their vigilance in alerting law enforcement authorities.
“This is the kind of partnership that we should forge with communities.
Government on its own can’t combat this crime phenomenon without the community being our eyes and ears.
We have always maintained that the infrastructure does not belong to the municipality, but to the community – it is there to provide services to our communities, and therefore the community should guard it with jealousy”.
“This community was brave enough by contacting law enforcement after noticing a strange occurrence at the sub.
We implore communities across all seven regions of the city to do likewise.
I’d like to issue a stern warning to other employees who are colluding with criminals that their days are numbered. We will nail them one-by-one”, Mettler said.
City of Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) successfully stopped an attempted heist at the Claudius Substation, allegedly orchestrated by a syndicate involving one of the City’s own employees.
The incident was brought to TMPD’s attention by Councillor Naeem Patel, who had been alerted by a Ward Committee member about suspicious activity at the substation.
Reports indicated that large transformers were being removed under the guise of repairs, despite no authorised work being scheduled. Acting quickly, Cllr Patel notified TMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Upon arrival, TMPD officers and the Cable Theft Unit discovered a well-organised operation involving nearly 50 individuals, a crane, and two flatbed trucks.
The activity was confirmed as an illegal attempt to steal critical infrastructure.
Thanks to the swift action of law enforcement, the heist was stopped before any equipment could be taken or damage caused. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Cllr Patel, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), TMPD, and SAPS for their prompt and effective response.
Their actions ensured the suspects were apprehended on-site. Those involved have been transported to Laudium SAPS to be formally booked and charged. This incident underscores the significant threat posed by organised crime targeting the City’s infrastructure.
An internal investigation is underway to uncover the extent of any internal involvement, and we will take decisive action against those responsible.
“The City will strengthen security measures to protect critical infrastructure and prevent future incidents.
I want to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to safeguarding the City’s
resources and ensuring reliable services. Those who seek to undermine our progress will face the full force of the law,” mayor concluded.