Authorities to clamp down on unscrupulous scrap metal dealers
Being found in possession of stolen cables could cost them their business
If scrap dealers are caught in possession of stolen cables or aluminium, they will be arrested and lose their business.
Courts are likely to view the theft and or damage of an essential infrastructure as a particularly grievous criminal offence and may impose a minimum prison sentence of 15 years, even in the case of first-time offenders.
This was the stern message given to scrap yard owners at a meeting hosted by Kempton Park SAPS on Saturday.
The message came from Adv Simi Pillay van Graan of Ntambo Technologies, who addressed dealers.
At the meeting the Criminal Amendment Act 18 of 2015, which came into effect in June 2016, was discussed.
The Act was designed to recognise the importance of essential infrastructure in providing basic services to the public. It also focuses on the high incidents of crime relating to essential infrastructure and its impact on public safety, electricity supply, communications and transportation.
Kempton Park SAPS focused on theft of cables and aluminium and the damage to infrastructure caused by this.
Cable theft refers to the stealing of either electrical cable or television cable. Stolen cables are sold to scrap dealers or used for illegal connections. Copper cable holds a high monetary value. Depending on the cable size, one meter could sell for between R50 and R100.
Cable theft regularly results in residents being affected by power outages.
Capt Shadrack Magcuntsu from Kempton SAPS encouraged the community to blow the whistle on cable theft as the police want to provide a quick and efficient service to the community by preventing this type of theft.
“The police will have a joint operation with Ntambo Technologies experts in Kempton Park soon. Before we start with the operation, we want to alert registered and unregistered scrap dealers that we will conduct random visits to assess their dealerships for any suspicious activities.
“Areas most affected by cable theft are Pomona, Isando, Spartan and Bredell,” said Magcuntsu, who added that the local police were taking this illegal practice seriously.
Pillay van Graan said the law would not tolerate any theft of cables or aluminium. If an individual is nabbed as a result of this particular criminal act, they will face a serious jail sentence or pay a heavy fine.
The police encourage residents to report cable theft and be aware of imposters. If one suspects any cable theft , they can contact the police on 08600 10111 or Derrick of the Ntambo Technologies on 0800 555 771.
