Eight arrested for copper cable theft in Mid-Illovo, Cogta MEC calls for economic sabotage charges
Eight suspects were arrested in Mid-Illovo for allegedly stealing copper cables worth R2 million, raising concerns about economic sabotage and its impact on essential services in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Eight suspects were arrested in Mid-Illovo on Sunday after they were found in possession of copper cables worth an estimated R2 million.
In a statement, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the stolen cables were suspected to have been stripped from infrastructure belonging to Transnet, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and the eThekwini Metro Municipality.
Buthelezi has called for the suspects to be charged with economic sabotage, as their actions undermine service delivery and disrupts business operations across the province, which had devastating consequences on the lives of residents.
“When infrastructure is destroyed, municipalities cannot deliver basic services like water and electricity. Businesses face shutdowns, job losses, and operational disruptions. The ripple effect is devastating.”
The department added that cable theft leads to prolonged power outages, water supply interruptions, and compromised essential services.
For businesses, it results in equipment damage, financial losses, and an unstable investment climate, it said.
While commending law enforcement for the arrests, Buthelezi urged municipalities and other government entities to strengthen measures to protect public infrastructure and called for the harshest penalties for offenders.
“We urge prosecutors to seek the maximum sentence for those convicted. We must send a clear message that the destruction of state infrastructure will not be tolerated,” he said.
The MEC also appealed to the public to report suspicious activity and assist law enforcement in dismantling these criminal networks.