FOR the sake of about R200, metal thieves plunged a large swath of the south Durban region, including major industries, which will suffer millions of rands in losses, into darkness yesterday.

The Toyota plant in Prospecton, KwaMakhutha, Isipingo and Umlazi will all be without power for a few days because the thieves made off with an electricity transmitting tower’s mounting bolts and structural members.

The 50 meter high transmission tower collapsed, causing further inconvenience when high-voltage cables fell on to Umbumbulu Road, between Lotus Park and Isipingo.

Although the police have opened a sabotage case, metal theft for its scrap value is suspected to be the cause of the incident.

The eThekwini Municipality has warned that thousands of affected residents could be without power for up to a week.

The electricity department’s said it would cost about R2 million to temporarily re-erect the tower.