By CENTLEC has expressed concern about the alarming rise in cable theft and vandalism in their area of service in Bloemfontein and has called on community members to team up with the utility by reporting the criminal acts.
The Spokesperson of CENTLEC Mr Lele Mamatu said the rise in cable theft and vandalism targeting streetlights components across Bloemfontein is alarming. He said the incidents of theft on streetlight and CENTLEC’s network were recorded on the N8 road from the Airport Bridge, M10 road to Lemo Mall, Hilton, UFS towards the Hill Side View College and the South Park cemetery, Lourierpark and recently the N1.
“These barbaric acts have not only plunged our communities into darkness but have left us dealing with unnecessary high volumes of streetlight repair service requests.
The perpetrators of these kind of crimes targets strategic areas within our area of supply to steal and vandalize our infrastructure without any fear. This is a trend that must be curbed as it is not only expensive to replace stolen cable and vandalized equipment, but it also jeopardizes the safety of motorists and pedestrians,” said Mamatu.
“We appeal to the community of Mangaung to take ownership of and protect our valuable infrastructure from these thugs. Let us all join hands and work together with various community-based organizations against these acts of crime,” he appealed.
Any suspicious criminal behaviour can be reported at the nearest police station or our 24 hours Fraud Hotline at 051 412 2239, 064 616 5774, alternatively send an email to fraudandcorruption@centlec.co.za.
