Criminals are stealing copper cables which is impacting critical infrastructure and in turn public safety on the South Coast.
In the last two months, Lions Grove, Umbango, Marburg, Oslo Beach and Port Shepstone beachfront have been targeted, causing disruptions to essential services and significant financial losses.
In the early hours of Saturday, August 9, cables thieves damaged a 90mm Eskom cable on Dairy Road, Marburg, leaving residents without electricity for two days. The power was only restored late on Sunday as Eskom didn’t have parts available. It had to be brought in from New Germany, Durban.
“Thieves targeted the same spot a week later and the cable had to be replaced again, only this time Eskom had the spares and power was restored later the same day. Many areas in Port Shepstone was without power, ” said Marburg resident Michael Cele.
On Tuesday last week, Lazer 911 officer Winston Lemon spotted a man carrying a traffic light heading towards the Marburg industrial area. “When he spotted me he dropped it and fled into the bushes. I later discovered that the traffic light was stolen close to RA Engar Primary school on Oceanview Road.”
Ray Nkonyeni Municipal spokesperson, Simon April, said criminal activity has left many traffic intersections without functioning traffic lights.
“Stealing cables from these infrastructure places the lives of motorists and pedestrians at risk. We call on community members, security, police and the general public to work together to combat this scourge. Cases must be opened at the police station and suspicious activity must be reported to the police and security companies,” explained April.
Saps Ugu District Communications said police will not tolerate persons who cause damage or tamper with essential infrastructure. “We have a designated department that focuses on second hand dealers. They conduct regular inspections to verify and enforce compliancy. Scrap metal dealers and security officers have been known to contact the police if a member of the public is selling copper or suspected stolen property.”
Police added that arrests and convictions have been made in such cases. “These convictions have set a precedent and indicate that harsh sentences will be imposed on those guilty of damage or theft of essential infrastructure. Offenders found guilty of damage or theft to ferrous or non-ferrous metal may be sentenced to between 15 to 25 years’ imprisonment,” said police.
The CPF executive chairperson of the Port Shepstone Saps station, Selvan Chetty, said cable theft is a serious issue that is affecting the South Coast. “We need to deal with scrap metal dealers. If there is no demand, there will be no theft,” he said.
Contact Saps Port Shepstone on 039 6881000/1003.
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