Officials increasingly becoming part of cable theft syndicate
The DA is concerned that officials are increasingly being implicated in cable theft.
More and more Eskom employees and police officers, as well as owners of scrapyards, are now being investigated as part of a cable theft syndicate in Mpumalanga.
“The growing number of police officers and Eskom employees arrested in the last two years in the province affirms that they may form part of an organized syndicate, says Bosman Grobler MPL – Spokesperson on Finance & Economic Development.
Earlier this week, a detective from eMalahleni and a former Eskom employee were among four people arrested for the possession of chrome worth R60 000, which was presumably stolen. Allegedly, a police vehicle was used to transport the chrome.
In July, four scrapyard owners from Middelburg and eMalahleni were arrested when R200 000 worth of Eskom stolen property, which includes cables, pylons and copper, were found in their respective scrapyards.
In March, Eskom security officers and a police officer were among 14 arrested by the Hawks in eMalahleni when a large amount of cables were confiscated.
“Cable theft sets back the South African taxpayer R7 billion a year. Not only does it disrupt the supply of electricity, but it also has a significant effect on the economy, resulting in loss of income and job losses.
“Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose any more jobs. The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled.
“We call on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the syndicate and, in accordance with the Second Hand Goods Act, ensure a maximum sentence to those who are found guilty of cable theft.
“The DA will not rest until a capable state has been restored in Mpumalanga. Responsible citizens should also report any suspicious activities. Ultimately, the real change will only be affected at the ballot box.”
