Border farmers hit hard by surge in cable thefts
Farmers on the South Africa-Lesotho border face increased ESKOM power cable and transformer thefts, causing major disruptions and safety concerns. Community calls for stronger preventive measures and legal reforms are rising.
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By Chris Steyn
Farmers on the border between South Africa and Lesotho are at their wits end over a "disturbing" surge in ESKOM power cable and transformer thefts.
They have told BizNews that the increase in such thefts are causing "significant disruptions and safety concerns".
In one recent case, an ESKOM transformer was stolen after criminals cut down a pylon to gain access to the heavy duty transformer.
In another "alarming" thieving trend, border farmer Sheila Silcock had the power cable on her property stolen three times.
On top of that, cable thieves have also hit the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) Caledon River site three times. It is from this site that water is supplied to Clarens and the Vaal system.
"These incidents are not isolated and represent a growing threat to the stability and reliability of our power infrastructure," says long-time Clarens resident Garth Brook.
"The repeated thefts not only result in significant financial losses but also jeopardize the safety of the communities affected and disrupt critical services.
"We urge the local authorities to step up preventative measures, and we encourage increased vigilance and cooperation from the public in reporting suspicious activities.
"Immediate action is required to address this escalating problem and protect our essential power infrastructure."
Brook, the publisher of "Speckled Bean", adds: "In light of these events, it's crucial to note the current legal framework surrounding such crimes. The punishment for theft, fraud, and murder is often a five-year suspended sentence. Conversely, calling a person by a derogatory name results in a five-year imprisonment. The ANC (African National Congress) maintains that this system is fair, as both offenses are penalised with a five-year sentence.
"The mood is not healthy here."
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