eThekwini contractor worker found guilty of cable theft amid crackdown on infrastructure crime
Bundles of stolen municipal electricity cables were recovered during an operation an a suspect's residence. A 53-year-old man was recently convicted in connection with the crime.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
An eThekwini Municipality contractor staff member has been convicted for cable theft-related offences, as the City steps up its fight against the vandalism of critical infrastructure that continues to disrupt service delivery across the metro.
The 53-year-old contractor staff member was convicted at the Durban Magistrate's Court for being in possession of suspected stolen municipal property, including electricity cables and a street light.
The City said the arrest followed a coordinated inspection operation conducted in 2023 at a scrap dealer’s premises, where stolen municipal infrastructure was discovered.
Further investigations led to additional inspections, which uncovered two rolls of eThekwini Municipality cables, more street light components, and evidence of illegal cable processing at the suspect’s residence.
The suspect was convicted after being charged in 2023 in connection with the crime.
Image: eThekwini Municpality
Director of the Energy Management Directorate, Philani Shange, expressed disappointment at the involvement of a contractor employee in the criminal activity.
“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.
The municipality said the conviction forms part of intensified efforts by the Energy Management Directorate to curb cable theft and protect municipal assets.
It said such crimes have a direct impact on residents, often resulting in prolonged power outages and increased repair costs.
In addition to the 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.
- 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 City's Energy Management Directorate said it will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure those involved in infrastructure theft are brought to justice, reinforcing the message that such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
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