R2m copper cable heist: Eight nabbed, KZN MEC calls it ‘economic sabotage'

Eight suspects were arrested in Mid-Illovo on Sunday after police discovered copper cables worth an estimated R2 million in their possession.

In a statement, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, described their actions as economic sabotage, calling for them to face the full might of the law.

It is believed the cables were stripped from infrastructure owned by Transnet, Prasa, and the eThekwini Metro.

Speaking after the arrests, MEC Buthelezi said the destruction of public infrastructure directly undermines service delivery and threatens livelihoods across the province.

“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,” he said.

Cable theft has become a growing concern in KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to prolonged power outages, water supply interruptions, and compromised essential services. For businesses, the impact includes damaged equipment, financial losses, and a climate of uncertainty that discourages investment.

While commending law enforcement for their swift action, Buthelezi urged government entities to bolster infrastructure protection and called on prosecutors to pursue maximum sentences for those convicted.

“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 residents to play an active role in protecting public assets by reporting suspicious activity and helping law enforcement dismantle criminal networks.

As KwaZulu-Natal intensifies its crackdown on infrastructure-related crimes, officials say community vigilance and tougher legal consequences are key to safeguarding essential services and economic stability.

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