Ulundi – 7 September 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has welcomed the arrest of eight suspects in Mid-Illovo, yesterday, for possession of copper cables worth an estimated R2 million. The stolen cables are believed to have been stripped from infrastructure belonging to Transnet, Prasa, and the eThekwini Metro.
MEC Buthelezi has called for the suspects to be tried for economic sabotage, as their actions undermine service delivery and disrupts business operations across the province, which had devastating consequences on the lives of residents.
“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.” said MEC Buthelezi.
Cable theft leads to prolonged power outages, water supply interruptions, and compromised essential services. For businesses, it results in equipment damage, financial losses, and an unstable investment climate.
While commending law enforcement for the arrests, MEC Buthelezi urged municipalities and other government entities to strengthen measures to protect public infrastructure and called for the harshest penalties for offenders.
“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.
The MEC also appealed to the public to report suspicious activity and assist law enforcement in dismantling these criminal networks.
ENDS
Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs