Scrap metal vandals sentenced
Metal sheets and roller doors were being stripped from the Ugu Fresh Produce Market and sold to local scrap yards for quick money.
Two men were recently sentenced to nine months in prison, after being caught in possession of scrap metal from the Ugu Fresh Produce Market in Mkholombe.
They were caught red-handed stripping the facility in June last year, which had been torched during the July 2021 unrest. Metal sheets and roller doors were being stripped from the site, to be sold to local scrap yards for quick money.
At the time, a joint operation was conducted by Selvan Chetty, deputy chairperson of the Saps Board Ugu District CPF, and local security companies Lazer 911 and Mi7.
The operation resulted in the search, seizure, and arrest of two men, while several others fled the scene. The security team chased them and found them at a Marburg scrapyard, where they were ready to sell the stolen material.
After being apprehended, the men were handed over to the Saps, and Ugu officials opened a case against them. Investigations were conducted, and Ugu District Municipality recently released a statement confirming that two men had been sentenced.
KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that two men have been sentenced while three others are still appearing in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court after several court appearances.
Ugu spokesperson France Zama expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, stating that it serves as a warning to those who sabotage municipal infrastructure. “Vandalism and sabotage will not be tolerated. The municipality thanks all involved in ensuring they were apprehended and sentenced,” said Zama.
Chetty said the board thanks all stakeholders, especially the vigilant community that reported the criminal activity which resulted in the arrests. “We have a duty and responsibility to protect government infrastructure. All must be vigilant and report suspicious activity. We call on the community to report cable and copper theft which is costing the government millions, and also inconveniencing the public.”
He encouraged the community to contact local Community Policing Forum members and the Saps if they suspect anything suspicious.
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