Cable theft: Here are the facts

Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety at AfriForum, answers ten critical questions about cable theft

As part of AfriForum’s focus on community safety, the organisation’s 177 neighbourhood and farm watches across the country also consider combating cable theft an essential function. The organisation is currently developing a training module to empower its neighbourhood and farm watch members with the necessary knowledge to effectively tackle this extensive crime.

Where in South Africa are cables most frequently stolen?

JB: Cable theft is a nationwide problem, but it is particularly common in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. High-risk infrastructure includes railway lines (from Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Prasa), Eskom lines, municipal infrastructure and industrial areas. Structures near informal settlements are particularly targeted. Cables are stolen from various institutions, including Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, municipalities and private properties (such as farms and factories).

What type of cables are the target?

JB: The most sought-after type of cable in the sights of thieves is copper cables due to their high resale value. Aluminium cables are also sometimes stolen, but in smaller volumes. In addition, cables used in telecommunications lines, from companies such as Telkom and Vumatel, are also often stolen.

What is the annual financial impact of cable theft in South Africa?

JB: The economic impact of cable theft is extensive. Eskom reports more than R2 billion in losses annually, while Transnet reported more than R1,6 billion in losses due to cable theft in 2022. More than 20 000 cases are recorded countrywide every year. Estimates place the overall economic impact – including indirect costs – between R7 billion and R10 billion annually.

Is the damage only financial, or are there other consequences as well?

JB: The consequences of cable theft go far beyond just the financial aspect. Power outages affect businesses, households, hospitals and schools, among others. Industries stagnate and train traffic becomes paralysed. The burning of cable casings causes air pollution. This crime can also lead to loss of life due to electric shocks.

Who is usually responsible for these crimes?

JB: Although some criminals act opportunistically, many cable thefts are carried out by organised syndicates. They have vehicles, the necessary equipment and often even disguise themselves as contractors. In many cases, the syndicates carry out these crimes in collaboration with corrupt officials and scrapyards. The copper is then sold locally or internationally. Research shows that China is the largest buyer of scrap metal from South Africa and purchases about 85% of scrap metal, obtained through legal and illegal means, from South Africa. Some syndicates are also armed and provide security during thefts.

What happens to the stolen cables?

JB: The cables are often burnt to remove the plastic casing. This causes serious air and soil pollution. The stripped cables are then sold to scrapyards without the necessary documentation. In certain cases, the cables are melted down and sold as recycled products, while in other cases, they end up as waste material at informal scrapyards.

What are the authorities doing to tackle this crime?

JB: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has set up special task forces and conducts inspections at scrapyards. AfriForum and its neighbourhood watch structures play an active role in urban and rural areas to combat this type of crime. Transnet’s subsidiary Transnet Freight Rail also has its own security groups, while Eskom has installed GPS tracking and alarms on certain cable routes to curb this crime. Some metropolitan municipalities, such as the Tshwane Metro and the City of Cape Town, have also set up their own specialist units to tackle the problem.

Are cable thieves being prosecuted effectively?

JB: Unfortunately, not always. The conviction rate for cable theft is low. The courts are overloaded, and investigation teams do not always have access to the necessary forensic resources. Many offenders are released on bail, and even the minimum sentences are rarely imposed. There are some success stories in prosecuting cable thieves. In one recent case, a cable thief was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in June this year for stealing more than 400 kg of copper cables in Kraaifontein. Specialised prosecution units largely contribute to these and similar successes.

What measures can be taken to effectively address cable theft?

JB: The implementation and enforcement of strict regulations for the scrap metal industry as well as a ban on cash transactions for the sale of copper is an urgent requirement. In addition, intelligence regarding this crime must be centrally consolidated to bring together intelligence from Eskom, SAPS, Prasa, Transnet and local security structures such as neighbourhood watches. Furthermore, a minimum sentence of 15 years must be introduced for this crime, communities must be empowered with technology such as cameras, sensors and drones and public-private partnerships must be explored and expanded.

What is your final message to communities?

JB: Stay vigilant. Community members are the first line of defence and therefore play a critical role in combating cable theft and other crimes. Cable theft affects us all and has a serious impact on our safety and economy. Therefore, it is essential to report any suspicious activity immediately. Individuals are encouraged to join neighbourhood watches and thus help put an end to this crime.