The DA in Merafong has been devising solutions to disrupt the rampant cable theft and vandalism of our infrastructure.
By monitoring the crimes reported on CPF Whatsapp groups in Carletonville, we have been able to build a database of cable theft incidents.
Our records, which represent only a snapshot of the magnitude of cable theft, currently stand at 134 incidents as of 29 July. Our database does not yet monitor other CPF groups in Merafong so it is quite plausible that many more crimes have taken place.
The bigger problem is that in most instances, these criminal events are not reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on their formal channels, and the municipality -as the owner of the infrastructure- does not make formal statements to the SAPS after these crimes.
Unfortunately, cable thieves have become so brazen that they target certain locations multiple times, perhaps knowing that they will not be arrested.
To disrupt the supply chain of stolen copper cable, the DA proposes the following solution that involves every member of society:
• Residents need to remain vigilant and report cable theft to the SAPS immediately. Persons who cannot report at the SAPS in person can dial 018 787 9316 or 7. Once you have received your reference number from SAPS, drop it here. To follow this campaign, click here .
• The DA in Merafong will ensure firstly that the municipal manager makes the required statements to the SAPS, and secondly that all the cases residents log with us get monitored and reported on. We will give the community regular updates about reported cable theft and vandalism.
• We have established a collaborative, “whole of society” approach with our local police, and they have undertaken to react within their mandate for every reported case.
The DA in Merafong extends our gratitude towards our private security companies who are so responsive on community WhatsApp groups.
The biggest game changer, however, is our residents of Merafong. They are showing us that activism starts in your own neighbourhood and that by each person doing their small part, we can disrupt these cable thieves.
The DA will continue to put pressure on all role players through continued oversight, monitoring, and community feedback.