Copper cable stolen again at water treatment works in eMbalenhle
The municipality urged scrap metals businesses to stop buying these items as they create a market for illicit goods to flourish while residents suffer due to vandalism.
The eMbalenhle police are searching for a man who stole electricity cables from the eMbalenhle wastewater treatment works in eMbalenhle on the night of November 6.
According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, the eMbalenhle police spokesperson, two security officers at the plant heard a gunshot outside while they were inside the guard house.
They noticed a man standing outside their guard house. The man allegedly instructed them to switch off their cellphones and to keep quiet. He then disappeared.
Mthethwa said after a while, the guards decided to patrol the area.
They discovered that a 12m copper cable worth about R18 000 was cut off. A case of tampering with essential infrastructure was opened.
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In September, a suspect was arrested in connection with the theft of electrical cables and vandalism at the same wastewater treatment works.
The municipality is urging residents to assist the police and municipality in curbing acts of theft and vandalism of infrastructure because theft and vandalism impact negatively on communities.
The municipality also urged scrap metal businesses to stop buying these items as they create a market for illicit goods to flourish while residents suffer because of vandalism.
Members of the community are encouraged to report infrastructure and cable theft incidents to the anti-fraud and corruption hotline on 0800 212 319 or to the nearest police station.
Incidents of vandalism or cable theft could also be reported to the call centre on 0800 6000 01/2/4 or send a WhatsApp message to 083 790 0659/082 343 2422.
