Bundles of copper cables found in mangroves reserve

EZEMVELO KZN Wildlife officers recovered more than 80 metres of copper cables in two separate occasions at the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve last week.

Officers also tried to apprehend a suspected copper thief who discarded a backpack filled with copper weighing more than 12 kilograms.

According to Beachwood Mangroves reserve manager, Basil Pather, the suspect was spotted by one of his staff who was walking to work on Monday last week.

Read also: Robberies rock Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

“He saw the suspect through the fence line and asked him what he was doing. The suspect told him to mind his own business and pulled out a knife. Luckily the staff member called for help and we tried to apprehend him. A foot chase ensued and the suspect discarded his backpack which was packed to the rim with copper wire.

“Unfortunately the suspect got through one of the holes in the fence line and ran across the M4 Ruth First Highway. My staff lost sight of him on Riverside Road. Just two days before recovering the copper in the backpack my staff found more copper stashed somewhere in the reserve,” Pather said.

According to the City cable theft is a major challenge as millions of Rands are lost each year.

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In a statement the City warned those involved in copper theft that besides obtaining a jail sentence, cable theft is life-threatening.

Residents are urged to report cable theft by contacting 0800 311 961.

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