KIMBERLEY – After enduring a week-long blackout caused by vandalism that resulted in extensive damage to a mini-substation, electricity supply was restored on Tuesday 16 December to Homelite, Homevale, and Homevale Extension in Kimberley.
During the vandalism in the early hours of Tuesday 9 December, which left these residential areas without electricity, a 21-year-old man died after allegedly being electrocuted. His body was discovered inside a ring main unit (RMU) in Homevale Extension during the investigation into the cause of the power outage.
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Repair work was delayed by heavy rain and waterlogged trenches that had to be drained, as well as the extent of the damage, which revealed multiple weak points along the cable. After conducting several tests and making repeated attempts to restore supply, it was confirmed that the entire cable between the H.A. Morris Substation and 12th Street Mini-Substation had to be replaced.
“Apart from the loss of life, the costs of repair work due to vandalism are substantial,” said Thabo Mothibi of the Communications Unit of Sol Plaatje Municipality.
“Early estimates are at R4 million – materials, overtime claims, loss of revenue – and the municipality will face insurance claims.”
Such incidents of theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure serve as a stern reminder of the acts of sabotage the municipality faces in what has become “an ecosystem of thuggery”, the municipality previously stated.
Community activism and care for your neighbourhood are best demonstrated by reporting theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure or assets to the police on 10111.
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