Mayor Xaba lauds task team for clamping down on theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure
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Date: 2025-06-25 15:27:27

Mayor Xaba lauds task team for clamping down on theft and vandalism of municipal infrastructure

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 JUNE 2025
 
MAYOR XABA LAUDS TASK TEAM FOR CLAMPING DOWN ON THEFT AND VANDALISM OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE
 
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has praised the sterling work by the multidisciplinary team responsible for arresting copper theft suspects. 
 
In its continued effort to fight against infrastructure-related crime, eThekwini Municipality’s Infrastructure Theft Task Team arrested two suspects in connection with copper theft in Malvern on 23 June.
 
Following intelligence about a suspicious truck operating in the area, the Task Team intercepted the vehicle and discovered a large quantity of stolen copper cables, including burnt copper.
 
Upon inspection, 861kg of copper—valued at approximately R850 000—was recovered. 
 
Of this, 260kg, worth just over R300 000, was confirmed to be property belonging to eThekwini Municipality’s Energy Management Directorate.
 
Two suspects, both 49 years old, were arrested on the scene. The truck and its cargo were seized as part of the operation.
 
The individuals face multiple charges, including:
• Tampering with essential economic infrastructure
• Contravention of Section 36: Possession of suspected stolen property
• Contravention of Section 37: Receiving stolen property
• Contravention of Section 32: Possession of burnt copper cables.
 
The suspects appeared briefly at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today, 25 June.
 
Mayor Xaba congratulated the team for the breakthrough, saying it demonstrates that government is taking the issue of theft and vandalism of infrastructure seriously. 
 
Stealing and damaging electricity cables amounts to economic sabotage as it disrupts both businesses and households, he said. 
 
“We want to encourage the police and our teams to continue with these intelligence-driven operations and arrest not only those who are found in possession of the stolen property, but also their kingpins,” said Mayor Xaba.
 
This arrest comes hot on the heels of another case where a man purporting to be a Municipal employee was caught fraudulently filling diesel at one of the petrol stations where the City refuels its fleet. 
 
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspect usually fills diesel about 10 times a day, using the City’s fuel master.
 
Mayor Xaba urged members of the public to assist in reporting such cases to the Municipality and the police.
 
“It is only when there is a strong collaboration between the police, the Municipality and the community that we can be able to crack this organised crime. These arrests should send a strong message to criminals that the Municipality will not tolerate acts of criminality as they divert our resources which are meant to deliver much-needed services to the community,” said Mayor Xaba.
 
The Municipality commends the swift and coordinated response in this successful operation. 
 
Copper theft and damage to Municipal infrastructure continues to pose a serious threat to service delivery, especially the consistent supply of electricity to residents. 
 
The City’s Energy Management Directorate remains committed to protecting electricity infrastructure and ensuring accountability for those who sabotage it.
 
The City urges residents to report suspicious activities related to infrastructure theft to law enforcement and pledges continued action against those who compromise the Municipality's ability to serve communities.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications and Marketing Directorate.