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Joburg businessman arrested for mini-substation theft

A Joburg businessman has been arrested after allegedly being found in possion of an 11KV mini-substation stolen ten years ago.

16-02-24 21:09
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City of Johannesburg. Image: File

A Joburg businessman was arrested after allegedly stealing an 11KV mini-substation of City Power.

JOBURG BUSINESSMAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING A MINI-SUBSTATION

The City Power-owned 11KV mini-substation disappeared from the power utility’s Booysens premises ten years ago.

Officials made the discovery of the allegedly stolen mini-substation during a revenue collection drive in Lenasia on Thursday.

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THE STOLEN MINI SUBSTATION WAS FOUND CONNECTED TO THE HOUSE

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the mini-substation was found connected to the businessman’s residential premises in Lenasia.

Mangena furthermore said that the businessman initially applied for a three-phase meter, but he obtained a mini-substation illegally.

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THE JOBURG BUSINESSMAN INITIALLY APPLIED FOR A THREE-PHASE METER

“The utility’s records show that at the time, four mini-substations were procured. However, one disappeared without a trace.”Isaac Mangena said

According to Mangena, the local energy supplier team found the missing mini-substation at the businessman’s premises. This comes after a request by a new business nearby to be connected to the grid through the same equipment.

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“The customer has since acquired a mini substation illegally. This conduct has led to City Power confiscating the mini substation.”

A MINI-SUBSTATION IS WORTH AN ESTIMATED R400 000

The cost of a similar mini-substation is estimated at R400 000, while the 1km-long cable also found in his premises is estimated to cost R900 000.

Mangena said the electricity infrastructure was not registered on the City Power’s system, although the connection was made on its network.