GAUTENG – The meeting was attended by stakeholders affected by the theft and damage to essential infrastructure.

The meeting resolved that the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure will facilitate the implementation  of the team.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili, the  Essential Infrastructure Task Teams aims to integrate all operational processes, resources and intelligence across all operational environments.

“This includes the SAPS and other Law Enforcement Agencies, SOE’s as well as the private security industry in order to address critical infrastructure related crimes.

Muridili said the contingency plan will  offer a joint operational approach in dealing with  the illegal sale and trade in non-ferrous metals.

“The province has 30 Essential Infrastructure Task Teams that operate on a 24-hour basis. Gauteng is demarcated into five districts namely  Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, West Rand and Sedibeng. These districts have 30 regions.”

The public is encouraged to provide the teams with information or tip-offs related to theft of cables and damage to essential infrastructure.