Metro Police Deputy Head, Sibonelo Mchunu, recently commended the joint efforts of Metro Police, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Transnet, Telkom, Eskom and the SAPS in the swift arrest of copper thieves in eThekwini Metro after the specialised multidisciplinary task team arrested seven copper thieves in Ntuzuma where they were caught with copper cables with a street value of R1.5 million.
On Monday, 25 July, the team discovered an illegal scrap metal dealer in Ntuzuma A-Section who was manufacturing traditional three-legged pots using copper and cables that allegedly belong to eThekwini Municipality and Transnet.
Superintendent Boysie Zungu of Metro Police said: “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 and while searching the premises, a R5 rifle and a 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 in the course of the week.”
He said 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,” he added.
Metro Police Deputy Head, Sibonelo Mchunu, thanked members of the task team for their swift response and 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.
He said 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,” concluded Mchunu.
