Infrastructure increasingly targeted by cable thieves

GEORGE NEWS - Cable thieves are becoming increasingly brazen in targeting municipal infrastructure, and the disruptions the recent stormy weather caused seem to have encouraged opportunists to use this to their advantage.

More than 2km of 11kV electrical line infrastructure in the Wilderness Heights was stolen, and about 250m of bundled conductor cable was removed.

A number of incidents involving theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure had been reported to the police during the recent storms, and a number of arrests have been made in connection with these crimes, according to the George Municipality.

The thefts and related damage affected electricity supply and network stability in several areas, including the industrial area, Borcherds, Rosemoor, the Parkdene informal area, Lawaaikamp, Protea Park, New Dawn Park and Thembalethu Zone 9.

According to Chantèl Edwards, the municipality's head of communications, one of the incidents involved a pole and transformer in Wilderness Heights that had fallen over during the storm. The transformer was subsequently stolen off the pole.

She said a breakthrough was achieved in the Conville area, where members of the police arrested several suspects linked to infrastructure theft. Further arrests were also made in Wilderness Heights and Hoekwil, and the alleged perpetrators are currently in custody.

Some stolen cables. Photo: George Municipality

"All incidents of theft and vandalism affecting municipal infrastructure are formally reported to the police for investigation. The municipality is still conducting technical assessments and procurement processes to determine the full replacement cost of the stolen infrastructure."

A Southern Cape Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, said the theft and damage of essential infrastructure, such as electrical cables, pose a major threat to the well-being and safety of communities.

Pojie confirmed that every police station has a designated officer responsible for monitoring second-hand dealers and scrapyards.

"These officials conduct compliance inspections at these businesses on a regular basis. Enforcement steps are implemented should the need arise, including fines and prosecutions," said Pojie.

In Pacaltsdorp, where residents have recently reported various incidents of cable and copper theft on social media, the police regularly inspect the three registered scrapyards, according to Pojie. One unregistered scrapyard has been shut down.

The Pacaltsdorp Police have also arrested three suspects in connection with copper cable theft cases, which are currently in court.

Damage caused by thieves. Photo: George Municipality