Five people, of which three are City Power Reuven Service Delivery Centre employees, have been arrested for stealing copper materials from the power utility’s premises.

The suspects were detained following a planned sting operation led by Security Risk Management in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The operation was executed on Sunday night, after a tip-off regarding suspicious activity at one of City Power’s offices was received.

During the arrest, one suspect, who is among three City Power employees, fled from the scene. He was later apprehended.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says the suspects face charges of theft after they were caught in possession of stolen copper brazing rods taken from City Power’s premises.

The estimated value of the stolen items is R20 000.

“These arrests are testament to the utility’s efforts in clamping down on the problem of theft and vandalism. In our assessment, we discovered that the challenge of copper cable theft and vandalism is, in part, enabled by those who are working within the organisation.

“In response to that, City Power tightened its internal control measures and introduced further security initiatives to make sure that internal collaborators are nabbed and forced to face the music for their involvement in this crime.

“In the previous financial year, 132 people were arrested on various charges linked to theft and vandalism, with some of those being fellow employees. In that period, 19 people were convicted to a cumulative prison sentence of 163 years combined. Part of that prison sentence (48 years) was wholly suspended.

“We are again calling for the judiciary to give appropriate sentences to those convicted on charges of cable theft and vandalism, to send out a strong message [to] would-be criminals, and not give lenient sanctions that might inadvertently encourage others to take part in the crime,” says Mangena.

City Power has faced significant losses due to cable theft and vandalism, with the previous financial year alone incurring costs exceeding R160m. In the 2022/23 financial year, City Power lost R113m.

In addition to the financial losses, this crime, which often results in lengthier power outages, also impacts the entity’s ability to provide electricity supply in a sustainable manner that supports the economic and social developmental objectives of the city.

“That’s why we insist that the courts must reign in hard on those convicted because the consequences of their actions have far-reaching implications for the economy of the city and the well-being of its residents. These arrests underscore our commitment to combating such illegal activities and holding accountable those who compromise the integrity of our operations.

“We will continue to pursue all those who are involved in corruption and theft within our ranks and ensure that they are brought to justice. City Power remains resolute in its efforts to protect its assets and uphold the highest standards of conduct among its employees,” says Mangena.