Thieves damage sub-stations

THIEVES caused over half a million rand worth of damages when they broke into two sub-stations in Kimberley on Thursday.

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said that the Barry Street sub-station was broken into during the early hours of yesterday morning, where the switchgear was vandalised and cables were stolen.

“The suspects broke the door and caused damages to the value of about R20 000,” said Riet.

She stated that the electricity supply to the Big Hole Centre and Protea Hotel was restored during the course of the day.

Damages

Riet added that damages of about R500 000 were caused when the sub-station in MacDougall Street was broken into yesterday afternoon.

“The sub-station supplies power to Mediclinic Gariep hospital, the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital and Careline Clinic Private Psychiatric Hospital. The electricity interruption also caused delays to the engineering work being done in the area. Transformers can blow up because we have no protection and if that happens then the entire sub-station blows up,” said Riet.

She condemned the theft of municipal property.

“Those buying these stolen goods are just as guilty and will be criminally charged. This infrastructure is there for the good of the community, we cannot sit back and condone this behaviour. We urge members of the public to report anyone who buys or steals municipal infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agency.”