The City loses around R60 million annually to copper theft. The theft of cables has a negative impact on the City’s communication network, electricity supply, and railway and traffic services.

SEVEN men have been arrested after being found in possession of copper and cables worth an estimated street value of R1.5 million. This comes as a task team yesterday, 25 July discovered an illegal scrap metal dealer in Ntuzuma A-Section manufacturing traditional three-legged pots using copper and cables that allegedly belong to eThekwini Municipality and Transnet.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Transnet, Telkom, and Eskom were part of the specialised multi-disciplinary task team. The task team received a tip-off and subsequently conducted a raid at a house in Ntuzuma. Numerous stripped copper cables were discovered in the yard. While searching the premises, a R5 rifle and round of ammunition were also found. The suspects were charged with being in possession of stolen property and the operation of other illegal activities. They were due to appear in court today, 26 July.

The task team has had other successes in curbing cable theft. Last month the team arrested 29 people in Hammarsdale after they were found stealing copper cables. The task team’s primary focus is addressing the scourge of economic infrastructure related crimes. Metro Police Deputy Head Sibonelo Mchunu thanked members of the task team for their swift response. He assured the public of the commitment of Metro Police to tackle cable theft. “The public must report such acts because they compromise the quality of life of residents. Community members must not look away when they are aware of syndicates involved in cable theft as it disrupts the provision of services,” said Mchunu.

The City loses around R60 million annually to copper theft. The theft of cables has a negative impact on the City’s communication network, electricity supply, and railway and traffic services. Many of the power outages experienced are due to cable theft.

Any suspicion of cable theft or damage to infrastructure must be reported to the SAPS on 10111 and the Metro Police emergency line on 031 361 0000.