BLOEMFONTEIN – An unidentified man was fatally electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal a high voltage overhead line cable on Centlec infrastructure in Phase 6 in Bloemfontein. Tseliso Leba, acting spokesperson for the entity, said the fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 9 April.
He said Centlec security services and SAPS members who were alerted to the cable theft found the suspected cable thief lying unresponsive at the crime scene at about 01:50.
“Police and Armed Response received a tip-off regarding individuals allegedly stealing overhead electrical lines. Upon their arrival, they encountered two suspects believed to be involved in the theft of overhead line infrastructure. One suspect managed to flee on foot upon seeing law enforcers. Further investigation is ongoing,” said Leba.
He said law enforcement agents seized a shovel and a pair of gloves believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. Leba said equipment was discovered at the crime scene and will form part of the investigation.
“Centlec strongly condemns acts of cable theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, which continue to pose a serious threat to the stability of electricity supply in Mangaung. Criminal activities not only disrupt power supply to homes, businesses and essential services, but also place lives at risk. It additionally costs the utility millions of rands in repairs and replacement of stolen infrastructure,” said Leba. He continued urging the public to report any theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to the nearest police station and Centlec’s channels.
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