Cape Town - Western Cape Residents in Ceres and surrounding areas were left without power on Tuesday after thugs cut off 22 control cables at the Witzenberg substation.
Electricity went off at about 3am after vandals cut power cables at the substation in Koue Bokkeveld.
There was hope that Eskom would repair and restore power early in the afternoon but by 4pm there were no changes.
Witzenberg Mayor Hennie Smit said delays in reconnecting the cables were due to severe damage done.
“Eskom is currently still assessing the situation but the likelihood of the power only returning (Wednesday) is high. Eskom has secured experts and the necessary parts from Cape Town needed to restore power. Please be vigilant at all times but know that the municipality is working alongside SAPS, Eskom and the necessary departments to ensure that the situation is monitored and controlled,” said Smit.
Later in the day Smith issued an update saying the power utility was working on a possible alternative solution to relieve consumers of the power outage crisis.
“They are looking to implement said solution sometime today. Please note that the Municipality will inform the public as soon as Eskom releases its official statement hopefully today.”
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said their office could confirm the incident was under investigation.
“The incident occurred this morning at around 3am at the Witzenberg substation. No one has been arrested as yet,” he said.
DA Constituency Head in Witzenberg, Wendy Kaizer-Philander condemned the incident.