The City of Cape Town is mourning the death of electricity official Terence Henry Stringer, who passed away in hospital on 16 April 2022 after suffering injuries when severely vandalised cables exploded while he was attending to an outage in Gugulethu that was affecting power supply to both Manenberg and Gugulethu.

A section of the medium voltage cable had been excavated and set alight by criminals. The City says it is utterly devastating that a colleague’s life has been lost due to the impact of infrastructure vandalism while in the line of duty.

Stringer, four contractors, and a member of the public were injured when the insulation of the damaged cables further deteriorated and caused an explosion.

‘He joined the City in 1993 and was one of the first employees to join the City’s Gugulethu Electricity Depot shortly after it was constructed as part of the City’s programme to bring services closer to the Manenberg and Gugulethu communities. Colleagues remember him for his commitment to his work and for always going the extra mile. In his spare time, he enjoyed carpentry and was always willing to share his woodwork expertise with colleagues when anything needed to be repaired. Between jobs, he often kept the Depot’s flower garden neat and tidy.

‘The City has lost a valuable staff member and our thoughts are with his wife and family,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

The City continues to urge our residents to stand with us against the scourge of theft and vandalism. Report vandalism of community infrastructure to the City and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:
SMS: 31220
Email: power@capetown.gov.za

Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:

Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as illegal connections or unlawful occupations, that are taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 021 480 7700 for emergencies.