RESIDENTS from Motherwell NU 8, Port Elizabeth, blame izinyoka that they are without electricity.
The padlock of their substation was cut off and the copper cables in it stolen in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Residents said they are scared to confront the thugs following an incident four years ago which left their neighbour dead after he had confronted the thugs.
A resident who lives near the substation said: “I was woken by a big bang from the substation. When I went outside I saw three men in front of the substation. When they saw me they ran away, leaving their bolt cutter.
“I saw that the padlock was broken and a big cable was gone.”
He said he contacted the municipality for help.
Nelson Mandela Bay spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said: “The municipality condemns the stealing of cables. This costs residents a lot of money and poses a danger, especially to children,” said Mniki.
He said people can call (041) 392 4323 to report any illegal connections and theft of cables.
