Power distribution company Centlec has issued a stern warning to people believed to be hired by unknown individuals or syndicates to steal copper cables from the power lines saying it will not allow them to destroy such key infrastructure and put the country’s economy at risk.
“This is war and we will fight it tooth and nail,” said Centlec in a statement.
“We want to send a strong message to the criminals and their handlers that we will not rest until they are behind bars,” added the company, which distributes electricity to Mangaung and surrounding municipalities.
It said it is aware that most of the criminals are just fronts who are sent by kingpins who then process the copper before selling it.
Centlec warned the kingpins that they would soon face the full might of the law.
“Some of the fronts happen to be vulnerable foreign nationals who are being used to steal our cables by their handlers,” said the company.
A joint operation by Centlec and the police in recent weeks has led to several arrests and the recovery of hundreds of kilogrammes of copper cable destined for scrapyards.
In the latest three incidents, a man was arrested in Botshabelo after being found in possession of copper cable believed to have been stolen.
Several people were also arrested following inspections at two scrapyards in Botshabelo where large amounts of copper were found.
At a scrapyard in Bloemfontein, a man was issued with a fine after he was found with copper weighing 150kg which he failed to account for.
Investigations are still underway to ascertain the real owner of the scrapyard for possible arrest.
“We are worried that many of these scrapyards are becoming a haven for criminals and promoting criminality,” said Centlec chief executive officer Malefane Sekoboto. – Staff Reporter