The cash-strapped (LEC) has spent approximately M3.5 million on repairing and replacing infrastructure damaged due to vandalism between April and September this year.

The concerned national power utility says destruction and theft of its property has resulted in significant financial losses to the already debt-ridden company.

LEC public relations manager, Tšepang Ledia, said this forces them to allocate funds to repair intentionally damaged infrastructure, diverting resources from other essential areas.

The company reportedly owes M700 million to key power suppliers including Electricidade de Moçambique and South Africa’s Eskom.

LEC’s Thamae Ngaka also noted that the consequences of vandalism extend beyond the company, disrupting power supplies and affecting consumers directly.

“When we propose tariff increases, it’s driven by issues like vandalism to cover the cost of repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure. This means pinching into your pockets,” Ngaka told a public gathering at Ha Tloutle Roma on Wednesday this week.

His remarks follow the recent cutting down of the three high 11, 000 voltage poles worth about M35,000 belonging to the LEC.

Vandalism of LEC infrastructure is a recurring concern in the area and the company is now losing patience.

Ngaka warned that if the destruction continues, the company might be left with no choice but to take drastic measures, including leaving the area without electricity until residents understand the gravity of the situation.

“This should stop, or we will be left with no choice but to leave this place dark,” he cautioned.

While vandals often target poles and copper cables for sale, the motivate behind this particular incident is not known.

However, shell-shocked locals suspect it could be the work of outsiders as they cannot destroy LEC infrastructure which benefits them. They said they regard the property as their own. The poles were cut and not taken away, triggering suspicions of sabotage.

Determined LEC officials say they will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of its infrastructure.

LEC Senior Inspector Maseli Maseli told the gathering that theft or vandalism of its property is a serious criminal offence and totally unacceptable.

Senior Inspector Maseli said according to the Penal Code of 2010, persons convicted of vandalising the LEC’s powerful and dangerous 11,000 volts poles face life imprisonment.  

Those found guilty of destroying other types of poles could be jailed up to 20 years, he explained.

He indicated that the LEC has been working to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure, but acts of vandalism continue to pose significant threats to the reliability of electricity supply.

Senior Inspector Maseli urged residents to be vigilant and report any information that could lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for vandalism.

“I condemn vandalism in the strongest terms, and it must be stopped immediately. As members of this community, it’s your civic duty to report culprits to us, and we will take swift action,” he added.

The incident occurred on Friday last week and was promptly reported to the Roma Police.

Lance Sergeant Sefora Tšoanyane from the Roma Police CID confirmed that they had received a report and are currently investigating the case.

No suspects have been arrested to date.

Addressing the same public gathering, Lance Sergeant Tšoanyane appealed to communities surrounding the Tloutle area to collaborate with police to apprehend the culprits.

She noted that community support is crucial in solving the case. “It is through you as communities around this area that we can be able to arrest those responsible. Give us tips or information. We will investigate from there and take them before the court of law,” she said.

The police assured the community that information provided would be kept confidential, addressing concerns that their identities might be compromised.

Lance Sergeant Tšoanyane warned that if the community fails to cooperate, the culprits might escape justice, resulting in the area facing severe power shortages.

She further cautioned that if the LEC decides to cut electricity due to repeated vandalism, the area would likely experience an increase in crime.

Villagers should take the situation seriously and work with police to prevent further vandalism, she added.

A villager from Tloutle, Bene Ntlhaba, also denounced the destruction of LEC property, saying it portrays the local community in a negative light, making them appear irresponsible.

Ntlhaba emphasized the importance of locals taking ownership of infrastructure.

He drew a stark comparison between vandalism and attempted murder, highlighting the impact of theft on residents who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity.

Ntlhaba specifically mentioned the risks faced by the patients who depend on oxygen supply in hospitals, saying disruptions to electricity can have life-threatening consequences.

In a show of determination, he pledged the community’s commitment to collaborate with police to identify and apprehend vandals.

“Today, we vow to work together with the police to assist them in catching the culprits. We will make sure that those culprits are arrested,” he declared.