Johannesburg – Electricity was restored in most areas of Centurion on Wednesday, after two days of power outage due to a lightning strike and cable theft, the City of Tshwane said.

The lightning strike on Monday damaged the Raslouw substation, spokesperson Selby Bokaba said.

The affected areas were Raslouw, Monavoni, Sunderland Ridge, Peach Tree and Stone Ridge.

He said the power restoration was delayed as thieves took advantage of the situation and vandalised cable feeders.

Some streets in Raslouw and Monavoni were still without power on Wednesday afternoon.

Bokaba said electricians were replacing the stolen cable to ensure that power was restored in Baralong, Mimosa, Kwambi, Sunbeam, and Thembu streets.

“The city apologises for the inconvenience residents suffered during this time and would also like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their patience and co-operation during this difficult period.”

He said the city’s metro police were working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the thieves were caught.

“We are after those who are creating the market for stolen cables.”

– SAPA