Police seize 861kg of suspected stolen copper cables linked to eThekwini Municipality
Authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with the theft of copper cables valued at approximately R850,000.
The arrests of the copper cable thieves took place on Tuesday, following a crackdown by the South African Police Service (Saps) eThekwini District Infrastructure Task Team in Malvern.
According to Captain Carmen Rhynes, a suspicious truck was intercepted and subjected to a search, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of suspected stolen copper cables that were identified as belonging to eThekwini Metro Electricity.
Both the driver and the crew, aged 49 and 50 respectively, were taken into custody and charged with offenses related to tampering with economic infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen property. In addition, they will face further charges of receiving stolen goods and possession of burnt copper cables.
A total of 861kg of suspected stolen copper cables were seized during the operation, with 288kg specifically traced back to eThekwini Metro Electricity. The estimated worth of the municipality’s property was pegged at R306,000. The suspects are scheduled to appear in Pinetown Court to face the charges against them.
Recent Incidents of Copper Theft
In a similar incident earlier this year, City Power Security Risk Management in Johannesburg detained six individuals working for a contractor on suspicions of possessing stolen copper cables. The arrests were made at the Observatory Substation in Johannesburg after the suspects were found with the illicit materials.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the arrests, explaining that the individuals were caught cutting and stripping various sizes of copper cables, some of which were damaged in an underground tunnel fire incident. The discovery was made during a routine inspection conducted by Operations Management to address the ongoing issue of cable theft and vandalism in the city.
Mangena emphasized the utility’s commitment to combating the scourge of cable theft, which has been a persistent problem affecting various areas in Johannesburg. The recent arrests serve as a reminder of the concerted efforts being made to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent further losses due to criminal activities.
