Residents who reside in the northern part of Bloemfontein, which includes Brandwag, Dan Pienaar, Heuwelsig, Pentagon Park, and Westdene, had to spend a couple of hours without electricity while the power utility, Centlec, was giving the issue attention.

At the time, Centlec’s spokesperson, Lele Mamatu, confirmed to OFM News that some parts of Bloemfontein, with the north largely affected, were without electricity for a while. Not only were residents affected, but also some radio stations were off the air after the lightning hit.

It was also difficult for him at the time to give an estimation as to when the matter would be resolved.

The suburb of Pellissier was also affected by a different issue. According to Centlec’s official Facebook page, the Pollenysplek feeder that's feeding into the overhead line (OHL) on Brandkop had tripped. The only affected area was Pellissier, and power was restored after an estimated three hours.    

ALSO READ: Fight against vandalism in Bloemfontein ongoing

After most parts of Bloemfontein were left without electricity last week - not due to load-shedding, but vandalism - Centlec has been successful in apprehending two of four suspects with an electricity transformer. 

At the time, Mamatu explained that the Chief of Security Services at the entity received a tip-off that four males were seen near the dumping site pushing an electricity transformer in a trolley.

A case of vandalism of valuable infrastructure and theft has been opened at the Kagisanong Police Station against the suspects. 

"Electricity infrastructure is very central to our regional economic growth and development, and therefore, we request every single member of the community to play their role in fighting the devastation, sabotage and destruction of critical infrastructure," added Mamatu.

OFM News