Cable theft is more than just a petty crime, it’s economic sabotage.

This is according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who welcomed the arrest of four cable theft suspects in Empangeni on Thursday.

It is reported that community members and private security personnel intercepted the suspects and handed them over to law enforcement authorities.

Commending the bravery and swift action of uMhlathuze residents and private security, Buthelezi called on further collaboration to clamp down on this persistent scourge.

“We applaud the residents and security teams for responding positively to the call for assistance.

“Their actions have prevented further sabotage of critical infrastructure and sent a strong message that criminality will not be tolerated,” said Buthelezi.

He said this criminality and sabotage of infrastructure severely disrupts essential services, including water supply, electricity, sanitation and traffic management.

“These crimes cost municipalities millions of rands and undermine government’s efforts to provide reliable services,” said Buthelezi.

He called for the justice system to impose harsh penalties to deter similar crimes.

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