Cable theft curbed by Hi-Tech Security

The ever-alert Hi-Tech Security officers spared Umjindi Municipality a great expense when they foiled the plans of copper-cable thieves last Friday morning.

According to Rian Prinsloo, Hi-Tech Security official, their guards were conducting patrols on Friday at about 03:30 when they came across five criminals at a substation in Kruger Street, attempting to steal the copper cables.

“While patrolling at electricity substations identified as hot spots for copper-cable theft, on arrival at the one at Kruger Street where there is no guard stationed, our response team saw five people wandering in the bush. When they stopped to investigate, the men fled and the guards noticed copper cables lying around,” said Prinsloo.

The Hi-Tech response team comprised Maxin Magagula, Happy Mabuza and Jerry Gumede. Prinsloo said the criminals had already dug and removed a few meters of the cables.

“Three of the criminals fled in the direction of the Barberton General Hospital through Macpherson Street while two ran in the direction of the golf course. Fortunately, the copper cables, which measured 74 metres, were discovered and reported to the director of electrical services, Jaco Landsberg,” said Prinsloo.

Other hot spots that have been identified include Extension 12 in Emjindini and the industrial site. Security guards are stationed all the time in these two areas.

Landsberg said the estimated value of the recovered cables was over R25 000 and it cost R550 per square metre.

Landsberg said various criminal cases had been opened with the Barberton SAPS and they invite the public to come forward with information that might led to the arrest of the perpetrators.

He said the Umjindi 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, Pat Msibi.