Metro looking at installing cameras to curb illegal activity

ESKOM action against electricity and cable theft has led to 60 court cases and convictions over the last three years, of which 13 were in the Eastern Cape.

Eighty percent of the theft was from homes and 20% from commercial and industrial premises.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, where illegal wiring, tampering of electricity meters and cable theft is prevalent, thefts of critical cables used in distribution units in substations, transformers and street lights are most common.

"Cable thieves often sell these cables ... at a silly R30 to R300 apiece," Peter Neilson, a director of the municipality's energy and electricity department, said.

"The repair job costs about R50000. We're looking at the installation of military spec cameras that will notify us as people get closer to the substation which will make it easier for us to respond." - Alvené du Plessis