Yet another incident of cable theft occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 June 2026, when copper conductors were stolen from Eskom infrastructure in Onrus, resulting in a prolonged power outage affecting Bosplasie residents.
This latest incident follows a worrying trend of cable theft and vandalism across the Overstrand. Between 8 May and 15 June 2026, at least 16 incidents of cable theft, vandalism and storm-related damage affected electricity infrastructure in Fisherhaven, Hawston and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Current estimates place the material losses to Eskom infrastructure at approximately R1.43 million. The losses include stolen copper conductors, aluminium cable and storm-damaged poles in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Fisherhaven areas.
The estimated material loss relating to Overstrand Municipality infrastructure amounts to approximately R1.20 million. This includes stolen cables, vandalised steel poles, damaged electrical infrastructure and storm-related damage in Hawston.
The combined material loss is estimated at approximately R2.63 million. When labour, transport, plant and restoration costs are included, the overall financial impact is estimated at between R3.5 million and R4.5 million. Full network restoration and emergency repairs may ultimately exceed R4 million to R6 million.
The most commonly targeted items include copper and aluminium electrical cables, particularly overhead conductors and underground power cables. In addition to cable theft, there have been incidents involving the vandalism and stripping of steel electricity poles, as well as damage to wooden transmission and distribution poles. Copper conductors remain the most frequently targeted infrastructure.
These incidents place significant pressure on both Eskom and municipal resources and divert funding, materials and personnel away from planned maintenance, storm recovery efforts and service delivery programmes.
The impact extends far beyond damaged cables and equipment. Businesses are often forced to rely on generators, resulting in significant fuel costs and operational disruptions. Residents face the loss of refrigerated and frozen food, interruptions to work-from-home arrangements, and difficulties charging essential communication devices. Learners and students are left without lighting, internet access or the ability to study effectively, while elderly and vulnerable residents are particularly affected during extended outages. Power interruptions can also place residents who depend on refrigerated medication, such as insulin for diabetes management, at risk and create additional stress for affected households.
The Municipality works closely with SAPS and other law-enforcement agencies regarding incidents of infrastructure theft and vandalism.
In addition, the Municipality continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity and assist law-enforcement agencies in identifying those responsible for infrastructure-related crimes.
Reward Offered
In terms of a standing Council policy, anyone who provides information that leads to the successful prosecution of a person or persons who wilfully and intentionally damage or steal critical infrastructure may receive a reward of up to R5 000.
Residents with information can contact the Overstrand Municipality’s 24/7 Contact Centre on 028 313 8000 / 8111, WhatsApp their ward councillor, use the Citizen App, or email enquiries@overstrand.gov.za.
The Municipality urges residents to report suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure. Preventing cable theft and vandalism requires a collective effort, as every incident affects households, businesses and the broader community.
