To help its fight against cable theft, Drakenstein Municipality will be implementing its latest Drone Operation Plan.
Last year, over a 10-month period, damage caused by cable theft cost the municipality more than R2 million.
According to Gerald Esau, Executive Director: Community Services, at the municipality, in January and February this year there was a decrease of 50% in infrastructure theft.
He said: “Thanks to collaboration between the South African Police Service and the Municipality’s Law Enforcement division, eight arrests were made in this period, one of which was prosecuted successfully and a conviction effected.”
Esau explained the Drone Operation Plan formed part of the municipality’s Law Enforcement Operational Plan, which it is currently implementing in the greater Drakenstein area.
“The municipality has four drones that form a major part of its overall Law Enforcement and Security Services operations,” he said.
“Drones are used to aid the municipality in fighting crime (including cable theft), illegal dumping and infrastructure theft (especially in remote areas), in identifying crime hotspots, and in managing vagrants and the erection of illegal structures.”
Esau said the drone pilot has completed the required training and is competent and licensed to operate the drone.
He also said the municipality was developing a Draft Drone Policy and Bylaw for Drakenstein.
Recently one of the drones was already put to use when members of Drakenstein Municipality’s Metal and Cable Theft Unit, its Law Enforcement division and a private security company conducted a follow-up search on a farm on the R44 in Paarl, where copper cables were stolen.
. The Municipality offers a reward of up to R5 000 for information that could lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of those guilty of infrastructure theft, including cable theft.
Infrastructure theft can be reported to the 24/7 Drakenstein Central Operations Centre on 021 807 8508 or the municipality’s toll-free number on 080 131 3553.
