Eight suspects were arrest in Mid-Illovo, over the weekend, in possession of copper cables with an estimated value of R2 million.
The Department of Cooperative Governance (COGTA) in KwaZulu Natal, said the cables were stripped from infrastructure belonging to Transnet, Prasa, and the eThekwini Municipality.
Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC of COGTA, said cable theft leads to prolonged power outages, water supply interruptions, and compromised essential services.
“When infrastructure is destroyed, municipalities cannot deliver basic services like water and electricity. Businesses face shutdowns, job losses, and operational disruptions. The ripple effect is devastating. We urge prosecutors to seek the maximum sentence for those convicted. We must send a clear message that the destruction of state infrastructure will not be tolerated” he said.