Several businesses in Welkom in the Free State are counting their losses following frequent power cuts caused by rampant cable theft in the area.
The Matjhabeng Municipality says at least 237 cases of cable theft and infrastructure vandalism have been reported since March last year.
The municipality says it cost R165 million to fix damaged infrastructure.
Local business coordinator, Simple Mhlahlo says, “We are very affected because now we become victims also because when these guys steal what they can lay their hands on, you don’t feel safe as a business person, seeing what they can do to the property. Also, they think that you are doing good when in actual fact you are not.”
Matjhabeng Municipality hit hard by infrastructure looting in Welkom
