Cable theft getting out of hand
Cable theft a big problem in the west of Pretoria, causing disruption in the lives of residents.
Cable theft in Pretoria West has become endemic and residents are demanding action from the Tshwane metro.
Voicing their frustrations, SA National Civics Organisation chairman Nagesh Chetty said: “Every time a cable is replaced, it gets stolen again the same day. In Mitchell Street and Quagga Road, a cable was replaced over the weekend and then stolen again.”
He said cable thieves sold their loot to scrap metal dealers without paperwork.
“Our scrap metal dealers are the major problem because they buy stolen metal, cables, devil’s fork and streetlight poles from the nyaope boys.”
Chetty said in Roger Dyson Road holes had been dug on the side of the road where cables were stolen.
“Tshwane metro needs to start acting and doing something about people damaging the metro property. This is all taxpayer’s money going to waste,”said Chetty.
He said when cables get stolen, residents lost out on food and other business.
President Jacob Zuma last week said legislation was in the pipeline to prescribe harsher punishment for cable thieves. It provided for a jail term of up to 30 years.
He said the theft of copper cables and metal had become a business.
By the time of going to print Tshwane metro had not responded to a media enquiry about the matter.
Also read:
Zuma proposes tougher law for cable theft
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