KuGompo City residents in the Cambridge West area of Buffalo City are battling persistent electricity cable theft that causes power outages lasting up to three days, according to a report by eNCA on 18 October 2026. The outages are disrupting daily routines, damaging appliances, and affecting school preparations.
Resident Anelisa Mbokomba told eNCA, “We’re experiencing this every week, cable theft every single week, and it goes for the longest periods of two to three days without power.” The disruptions have raised frustrations across communities including Wilsonia, Summerpride, Dawn, and wider Cambridge West.
According to Chris Botha of the Cambridge Sector Four Community Police Forum (CPF), the theft is extensive. “The guys that target the cables or that dig them up, especially, they’re not just targeting live cables; they’re targeting the backup cables,” he said. The CPF has intensified round-the-clock patrols in response to the rising incidents in Buffalo City Metro.
The Hawks in the Eastern Cape acknowledged the widespread nature of cable theft but rejected claims that authorities are losing the battle. Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Hawks spokesperson, stated, “I wouldn’t say we are not doing enough because we have made a lot of arrests regarding cable theft.” However, no specific figures or recent arrest details tied directly to these Cambridge West incidents have been disclosed.
Previous reports by the Daily Dispatch have highlighted a broader pattern of cable theft and vandalism disrupting infrastructure. On 30 September 2026, the newspaper reported heavy impacts on homes and schools in Buffalo City due to rampant cable theft. Earlier, on 24 July 2026, theft and vandalism along the rail corridor between Ntabozuko and KuGompo City had reduced commuter rail services.
Buffalo City Metro’s official social media accounts have confirmed suspected cable theft disruptions in areas surrounding Cambridge West, underscoring that this is a regional problem rather than isolated incidents.
While residents assert they are fighting back through community patrols and vigilance, detailed accounts of successful resident-led operations or coordinated police interventions related to the latest wave of theft remain unverified. The exact impact on power supply duration and frequency also awaits further independent confirmation.
The repeated infrastructure theft deeply affects community life, impeding electricity access vital for work, education, and daily living. Buffalo City’s ongoing struggle reflects wider challenges faced by urban municipalities in South Africa to secure public utilities against theft and vandalism.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as new information on law enforcement measures, arrest figures, and community responses emerges.