Reward offered for information leading to arrest of cable thieves

Copper cable theft, which has municipalities around the country coughing up billions per year, seems to be an ongoing headache. According to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, copper theft in the past year alone has risen by 26 per cent%.

It is also on the increase and becoming a huge problem in Barberton. During the early hours of Wednesday morning, Hi-Tech officers came across criminals in the process of finishing their digging to expose the main power line that leads to Extention 12.

The thieves took flight and although warning shots were fired, they were not deterred in the least. Then, during the early hours of Thursday morning, they were back. Having already dug open at least 15 meters of cable, they were again detected by Hi-Tech officers and again fled the scene.

Several such incidents of theft and vandalism have occurred over the past year, in many instances resulting in certain areas having power outages and communications interruptions, to name but a few problems.

Where vandalism and theft is prevalent, the municipality has to make use of security guards. They also frequently have to employ extra manpower where cables have been stolen to restore the power, which in many cases involves working after-hours resulting in overtime wages having to be paid.

To guard and repair these power cables are costing municipalities, and eventually the taxpayer, an arm and a leg.

Umjindi Municipality is offering a reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of these criminals. Your identity will be protected. Email mm@umjindi.gov.za or contact 013-712-8800 and ask for the municipal manager.