Shocking Discovery: Theft and Vandalism Suspected as Cause of Electricity Pylon Collapse

Vandalism and theft of infrastructure may have been the cause of the collapse of at least two electrical pylons over the N4 highway in the east of Pretoria on Sunday evening. Tshwane metro executive mayor, Cilliers Brink, shared in a video update to residents that local ward councillors had informed him of past attempts to steal parts of the pylons. According to Pretoria Rekord, Brink stated that the steel structures of the pylons showed signs of repair work, indicating a strong possibility that theft and vandalism were responsible for the collapse. The collapse significantly impacted the power grid, resulting in power outages in several parts of Pretoria, Centurion, and Mamelodi.

Brink noted that the metro was still assessing the extent of the damage and could not make any promises about when the municipality would be able to restore power. However, he assured the public that they would keep them informed of the repair work and consulted with Eskom on how to regain power. On Monday morning, the N4 highway between Simon Vermooten Road and Solomon Mhlangu Drive and Solomon Mahlangu Drive between Von Backstrom Boulevard and the N4 Highway was closed due to electrical cables lying across the highway. The collapse also affected various substations, including Wapadrand, Mooikloof, Waltoo, and Heatherly. This event resulted in significant power outages in large parts of Pretoria.

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Large parts of Pretoria and Centurion were left without power this morning should return tomorrow

Picture: Facebook / POWER987za