- Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts has reported a significant increase in cable theft incidents, particularly affecting infrastructure along The Cedars Avenue and Weltevreden Road.
- The damage has disrupted recent road resurfacing efforts and prompted urgent intervention from the City of Cape Town’s Cable Theft unit.
- Councillor Potts has urged residents to report any suspicious activities or information related to cable theft to curb these costly and disruptive incidents.
There has been an increase in cable theft affecting the Ward 81 basin, with several locations already reported.
In a recent report on Wednesday 26 June, ward councillor Ashley Potts was allerted to further infrastructure damage at 07:30.
“I was informed by a resident of further cable damage to the corner of The Cedars Avenue and Weltevreden Road where the resurfacing of Weltevreden Road is happening. On arrival at the scene, I was shocked at the extent of the damage and informed the City of Cape Town’s Cable Theft unit immediately,” says Potts.
With the extent of damage, Potts says this must clearly have taken several hours.
“It would appear that they continued uninterrupted to do the damage they’ve done.
“I am appealing to our residents to please speak out against these hideous acts of criminality,” says Potts.
Need to report
This continued extensive damage has significantly impacted the quality of life and wellbeing in the community.
“This is a recurring problem not only caused by vandals and criminals, it is perpetuated because no one speaks out. This damage of infrastructure is costing the City millions to reinstate. We have just had the road upgrades and now we are challenged with the damage caused by this type of criminality.
Four locations at this intersection were impacted.
Potts says this can only end if residents speak out.
says Potts.
“Help stop this damage caused by those who care less about our quality of life. If it is your son, daughter or neighbour, speak up. We cannot be silent on these things.”
He adds that should substance abuse be the root cause of this theft, help is available.
Millions in damage
According to the City, they have repaired and replaced stolen cables at a record pace across the city, with 1 120 street lights’ cable replacements in April alone.
The City received 519 reports of metal theft from the public in 2023-’24, compared to 304 in 2022-’23.
”Our message to metal thieves is simple: don’t steal cable, we will catch you. Last night in Mitchells Plain, I was pleased to see residents enthusiastically providing our metal theft officers with tip-offs of suspected stolen cable locations. We also witnessed our officers bust three suspects in the act of burning cables from a nearby traffic light. Those stealing cable should also know that the City’s new Eye-in-the-sky is now watching and recording hotspots, including with infrared cameras at night,” says Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in a statement.
- Any evidence can also be sent to Potts via WhatsApp on 082 887 6440.
