OFFICERS belonging to the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) and the eThekwini Metro Police found a substantial number of stolen cables at a Seadoone recycling centre on September 17, which led to arrests. The facility was also found to be operating illegally without a permit.
Also read: 11 men arrested for stolen copper cables
Metro police spokesperson Boysie Zungu said the officers had been conducting an operation in Amanzimtoti and KwaMakhutha when they raided the place.
“Acting on suspicion, the team discovered 216m of stolen cabling hidden in a container on the premises. The stolen items belonged to MTN, Cell C and Vodacom,” said Zungu.
Worth R150 000, the haul consists of 110m of MTN cables, 81m of Cell C cables and 18m of Vodacom cable.
Accused appears in court
The two accused, a 42-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were arrested and appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court the next day. They were charged with tampering with essential infrastructure; contravening Section 36: Possession of property reasonably suspected to be stolen; Contravening Section 37: Receiving property reasonably suspected to be stolen; and failing to register as a dealer in second-hand goods.
eThekwini District Commissioner Major General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa said the EITT is committed to arresting such offenders and ensuring they are brought before a court of law to be prosecuted.
“Damaging and destroying essential infrastructure in eThekwini will not be tolerated. I am very pleased with this arrest and recovery,” said Kheswa.
Vandalism costs billions in damages
In 2023, vandalism and battery theft caused MTN to spend R1.5 billion to keep its mobile network operational. In a statement, the company said it has been seeing increased vandalism and theft at its base stations.
“Join the fight against vandalism by reporting any theft or suspicious activity by emailing anonymous@tipoffs.com or by calling 083 123 7867,” it said.
In 2023, vandalism and battery theft caused MTN to spend R1.5 billion to keep its mobile network operational. In a statement, the company said it has been seeing increased vandalism and theft at its base stations.
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