Cable thieves caught red-handed in Morningside

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) together with Metro police arrested ten suspects for illegally excavating and removing a seven-metre copper cable in Morningside in Sandton, Sandton Chronicle reports.

Roads agency inspector Steven Mammba was conducting inspections in Morningside on November 8 when he came across the illegal excavation on Rivonia Road between Outspan and Centre roads.

When the men failed to produce a wayleave for the excavation, or any authorisation documents, Mammba informed the agency’s wayleave department, and metro police were requested to act immediately on the matter.

READ MORE: Cable theft causes power disruption at Museum Africa in Joburg

Acting managing director Goodwill Mbatha said: “We are pleased that the proactive measures put in place to address the spate of infrastructure theft and vandalism are bearing fruit. These acts of criminality are a direct sabotage of the City’s efforts and services.”

Mbatha said the agency is grateful to Inspector Mammba for his efforts and quick thinking, which led to the arrests. He added he suspects were taken to Sandton Police Station and the matter is pending further investigation by police.

“We are appealing to the public to report criminal activity and we advise community members to request a valid wayleave permit from labourers working on state infrastructure. Failure to produce one indicates the activity is illegal,” said Mbatha.

The agency said they will continue to work closely with metro police as part of the City’s infrastructure protection initiative to combat crime. Scrapyard owners and community members have been cautioned not to possess stolen road assets.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/cable-theft-causes-power-disruption-at-museum-africa-in-joburg/