Members of the EMPD Anti-Cable Theft Unit arrested a 40-year-old man found in possession of suspected stolen copper cables weighing approximately 60kg, in Mableton, Villa Liza.

The arrest was made during a routine patrol by vigilant officers from the Southern Region, along Boundary Street, where they noticed a suspicious individual pushing a wheelbarrow.

Also Read: Villa Liza copper cable theft suspect released on R10 000 bail

“Upon inspection and questioning, officers discovered copper cables loaded in the wheelbarrow,” said EMPD media liaison officer Katlego Mphahlele.

“The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possession of the copper.”

Further investigations revealed that the suspect is a foreign national who was unable to produce valid documentation to be in the country legally.

The suspect was arrested and detained at Dawn Park Police Station. He faces charges of possession of suspected stolen copper cable and contravention of immigration laws. He is expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.

Power cable theft hits city hard
Cable theft remains rampant across the City of Ekurhuleni, with electricity cables increasingly targeted, causing widespread electricity outages, disrupting essential services, and placing communities and businesses under severe strain.

The theft not only hampers economic activity and compromises public safety but also results in significant financial losses for the metro’s energy department, which must divert millions of rands from service delivery to repairs, replacements, and security measures.

Report it
The city is calling on residents to join the fight against theft and vandalism of public infrastructure.

Report any suspicious activities, including cable theft and illegal connections, immediately to the nearest police station or EMPD.

Also Read: Cable theft leaves parts of Boksburg without power

Municipal call centre: 086 054 3000.

Incidents can also be reported via email to call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za or by using the My CoE App.