This, as the municipality has registered 98 cable theft cases this year alone.

According to the municipal spokesperson, Kgojane Matutle, this has a negative impact on the locals, businesses and the municipality. He says the municipality has lost an estimation of R74 million as a result of replacing the stolen cables. Matutle adds that from August until December this year, 24 suspects have been arrested for cable theft. He further says that in November alone, 12 community members were arrested on the scene for stealing copper cables. Matutle suspects that this is organised crime or the work of a syndicate in the area.

He says that most of the perpetrators are foreign nationals and municipal workers. OFM News previously reported that police in Odendaalsrus recently arrested two men after stealing copper cables worth R120 000. The suspects were also found in possession of alleged housebreaking equipment at the municipal workshop.

Matutle confirmed to OFM News that the two are employees of the municipality. Both suspects appeared in the Odendaalsrus Magistrates Court on Friday, 20 December.

Furthermore, police arrested three suspects in October this year in Welkom after they were found in possession of copper cables worth R6050.

During the same month, police opened a case of theft after more than 50 meters of copper cables worth R70 000 were stolen at Tempest Road in Welkom, leaving Reitz Park and surrounding areas without electricity.

OFM News/Marvin Ntsane