An intelligence-driven operation by members of the EMPD led to the arrest of two foreign nationals reportedly found with stolen copper cables with an estimated street value of R800 000 on February 14.
The bust came after the EMPD received information about attacks on the energy infrastructure, resulting in frequent power outages, which affect the Eastgate Shopping Centre and surrounding areas.
The police team launched an investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the pair, and the recovery of the about 80-metre-long copper cables. The suspects are facing cable theft-related charges and were scheduled to appear in the relevant court.
Mayor commends the efforts, calls on residents to report cable theft
The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Tania Campbell, commended the EMPD for their clampdown on cable theft following the arrest of the suspects, and she further called on residents of the City to report attacks on the public infrastructure.
“I commend the sterling work of the EMPD. Cable theft and vandalism of the city’s energy infrastructure is a major threat to the growth of our local economy.
“We urge residents to assist our law-enforcement agencies by reporting any illegal activity, especially people targeting the City’s energy infrastructure,” said Campbell.
Thieves perpetually steal copper cables from the City’s electricity network, repeatedly plunging thousands of households and businesses into darkness. It’s believed that thieves sell their loot to dodgy scrap metal dealers.
Several sections of Boksburg, including Atlasville, Impala Park, Plantation and Witfield, have recently suffered power outages because of cable thefts.
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