A suspect was arrested in Caledon this morning and will appear in the magistrate court on Tuesday for alleged copper theft, while the search continues for more suspects.
Cable theft is a high priotity for Theewaterskloof Municipality and perpetrators will be brought to book and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Caledon sewer plant has been plagued with multiple copper theft incidents between Thursday 15 February and Saturday 17 February.
This morning, three more suspects were noticed entering the facility, but fled the scene when authorities were approaching.
Later the morning a suspect matching the suspect’s description was seen in the Caledon Town area and when approached by authorities tried to flee but was arrested by SAPS.
The value of the copper stolen exceeds R1 million and the operation of the sewer plant has been temporarily affected.
The cost of replacing cables and damaged infrastructure affects the lives of residents and impacts businesses, which leads to job losses.
Unplanned power outages or delays in operations, as a result of cable theft, is unacceptable.
The suspect will be appearing in Caledon Magistrate court on charges of possession of stolen goods and theft.
Any person who unlawfully and intentionally tampers with, damages, or destroys essential infrastructure – relating to energy, transport, water, sanitation, and communication – is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a period of 30 years imprisonment or a fine of up to R100 million in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, No. 18 of 2015.
If you see or know of anyone who is deliberately damaging municipal-owned property and infrastructure or you notice deliberate damage to property in your area, this is vandalism and you should report it. Vandalism not only affects your community by making it unattractive and unsafe, it is also expensive to repair.
Theewaterskloof infrastructure is every building, structure, space or thing which is managed and maintained by the Theewaterskloof Municipality, including public and open spaces such as parks, sports fields,municipal buildings and facilities.
It also includes roads, stormwater drains, water pipes, traffic, street lights and electrical substations.
All residents are asked to report any suspicious activity regarding cable theft or any other damage to municipal infrastructure, to the Operational Command Centre of Theewaterskloof Municipality on 080 021 4730 or (028) 214 3300.
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Issued by: Theewaterskloof Communications Department