ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CABLE THEFT PERPETRATORS CONVICTED AS ETHEKWINI STRENGTHENS INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION
EThekwini Municipality has intensified its efforts to combat cable theft, resulting in the successful conviction of perpetrators involved in these criminal activities.
These convictions underscore the Energy Management Directorate’s commitment to protecting Municipal infrastructure and improving service delivery for residents.
In a recent case, a 53-year-old man, who is a contractor staff member was convicted at the Durban Magistrates’ Court for possession of suspected stolen property, including electricity cables and a street light.
The arrest occurred in 2023 during a coordinated operation that involved an inspection of a scrap dealer’s premises, where stolen Municipal property was discovered.
Further investigations prompting additional inspections.
These inspections uncovered two rolls of eThekwini Municipality cables, additional street light components, and evidence of illegal cable processing at the suspect’s residence.
Director of the Energy Management Directorate Philani Shange expressed disappointment at the involvement of a contractor staff in such criminal activities.
“It is disheartening to witness individuals who are contracted to assist the Municipality in delivering essential services choosing to engage in theft instead. Their actions not only undermine the integrity of our workforce, but also hinder our efforts to improve service delivery to our communities,” said Shange.
In addition to this recent conviction, two other individuals were sentenced late last year for related offences.
A 44-year-old man was found guilty of possessing suspected stolen electricity cables and received a three year imprisonment sentence, wholly suspended for five years.
In a separate case, a 32-year-old man was convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for five years.
The Energy Management Directorate continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of infrastructure theft are brought to justice, reinforcing the message that such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
