EThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate has welcomed a landmark conviction in a major electricity cable theft case, marking a decisive victory in the City’s fight against infrastructure crime.
The case stems from a 2022 incident when members of the Umkhomazi South African Police Service (SAPS) acted on intelligence regarding electricity cables being stripped and burnt at a homestead near the Umkhomazi Police Station. Police apprehended suspects in the act, recovering municipal cables valued at approximately R1 million. The property was positively identified as belonging to the Municipality by infrastructure theft investigators, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Through close collaboration between SAPS and the Directorate’s Infrastructure Theft Division, the matter was thoroughly investigated and successfully prosecuted. The Scottburgh Magistrate Court found all three accused guilty of damaging essential infrastructure and possession of stolen municipal property.
The first accused, a 37?year?old subcontractor for the Municipality at the time of the offence, was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment.
The second accused, aged 26, received 3 years direct imprisonment. The third accused, a 63?year?old woman, was sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment.
This conviction underscores the Directorate’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity services. Working hand?in?hand with law enforcement, the Municipality will continue to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions against those who threaten essential services.
The City maintains a zero?tolerance approach to electricity theft, vandalism, and all forms of infrastructure crime. This ruling sends a clear message that offenders will face the full might of the law.
Community vigilance remains vital, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities involving electricity infrastructure to help protect public resources.
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