Copper theft isn’t new to eMalahleni; and justice seems to be slow to prevail – but prevail it does.
Four men were caught stealing copper cables from a dragline at Anglo Kleinkopje Colliery on August 28, 2017 by the Witbank Cluster Copper Task Team.
These four men were identified as Bonginkosi Thabang Msibi, Vusi Sithole Jabulani Petrus Maziya, Siphesihle Valentine Masina Sydney Chiloane and Cornelius Khoza Sfiso Mahlalehla.
All four men are originally from the informal settlement known as Masakhane Village.
Last week these four men were each sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure in the Regional Court at Witbank Magistrate’s Court.
The demand for copper has created a robust international trade – and the market for illicit copper is rising alongside it.
A demand that has even reached our quaint coal-town.
Copper theft costs the South African economy approximately R5 – R7 billion per year, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Between 2012 and 2016 a total of 8 988 copper cable theft incidents were reported. Out of these 8 988 cases of cable theft, only 1 159 arrests were made during this time period.
Clause three of The Criminal Matters Amendment Act which came into operation in 2015 criminalises the unlawful and intentional tampering with or damaging or destroying of essential infrastructure.
The Act sets out to emphasize the seriousness of the crime and further does so by prescribing imprisonment for those found guilty of not more than 30 years.
