Damage at the Grantham Substation raises concerns over infrastructure security in uMhlathuze.
Image: Facebook / uMhlathuze Municipality
The uMhlathuze Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal has recently been grappling with a spate of vandalism incidents targeting its crucial electricity substations.
In recent weeks, both the Grantham Substation in Empangeni and the Aquila Substation, which supplies the Arboretum area, have been hit, with the latest incidents causing significant power disruptions.
On Wednesday, the municipality reported more vandalism at the Grantham Substation in Empangeni.
“All control circuit wiring and protection wiring have been vandalised. This means a single fault will trip upstream, affecting all of the Empangeni residents,” the municipality said.
Earlier, the municipality informed its residents that the Aquila Substation, which supplies electricity to customers in Arboretum, has experienced a second incident of vandalism within the past two weeks.
“The previous incident, which occurred last week, did not affect customers, as only the protection installation was targeted. However, the most recent act of vandalism has resulted in a power trip, affecting the electricity supply to the area,” the municipality said.
Vandalism at Aquila Substation leads to power outages.
Image: Facebook / uMhlathuze Municipality
It said its technical teams were on site and working to restore power as swiftly and safely as possible. However, there was no estimated time for full restoration.
uMhlathuze Municipality Deputy Mayor Councillor Christo Botha said the city’s infrastructure, especially the electricity supply, “is a target for acts of sabotage disguised as vandalism.”
uMhlathuze Municipality communications manager Simphiwe Makhanya said it is too early to quantify the extent of the damage.
“What we can say is that this vandalism was quite serious, resulting in power outages for several hours,” Makhanya said.
He said the city will explore what can be done to safeguard its infrastructure.
“It’s quite clear that these acts are a deliberate attempt to sabotage the municipality.”
He also said that the matter was reported at the Empangeni police station on Wednesday afternoon.
“Mayor Cllr Xolani Ngwezi is deeply concerned by such incidents,” Makhanya added.
Police have been approached for comment.
Vandalism at Grantham Substation disrupts the electricity supply, prompting urgent repairs.
Image: Facebook / uMhlathuze Municipality
Residents reacted strongly on Facebook, with many calling the incidents “sabotage”, “well planned”, and potentially “politically motivated”, while questioning the lack of security, CCTV, or armed response.
This is how Facebook users reacted to the incident at Aquila Substation:
Michael Baxter said: “Judging by these photos, the guys had a lot of time.... My question is how it is that they were able to dismantle so much before someone showed up..... Surely, as soon as they started cutting the cables or turning off the switches. Things would have started to go wrong, and someone would have been dispatched?”
Dheshen Deezo Naidoo said: “These subs are supposed to have armed response and CCTV installed. Paras will keep on doing this, or political issues may also be to blame. It’s the only way to safeguard against this vandalism. My gut feeling is it’s sabotage, looking at Empangeni substation as well.”
Thamie Tamir Mpungose said: “Sabotage... possibly politically motivated.”
Aquila Substation: The second incident of vandalism in two weeks raises alarm among residents.
Image: Facebook/ uMhlathuze Municipality
This is how Facebook users reacted to the incident at Grantham Substation:
Mfundo Mpanza asked where the guards were stationed.
Qhawe Mthethwa said: “You can’t have 2 major substations (vandalised) at the same time, this is well planned.”
Gert Engelbrecht said: “This is not just vandalism. This is also sabotage! Something here is brewing between two parties, and I smell a rat!!!!!”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za