Mayco member calls for bail to be opposed for suspects arrested for cable theft.

Three suspects were arrested by Law Enforcement on Monday evening 20 July for cable theft in Plantation Road, Lotus River. They were caught after being identified on CCTV.

During the arrest, officers confiscated a spade, large knives and wire cutters.

“I am calling on the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to oppose bail for these individuals,” said Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith.

“Cape Town is facing an ongoing onslaught of cable theft, and those accused of infrastructure-related crimes should not be released back into our communities while awaiting trial.”

He said cable theft “disrupts essential services, causes widespread inconvenience for residents and businesses, places an enormous financial burden on taxpayers, and can compromise public safety.”

Other crimes such as gangsterism, house break-ins and car theft flourish in the dark when infrastructure is compromised, Smith said.

“The City has invested significant resources in combating infrastructure theft, but these efforts are undermined if repeat offenders are repeatedly released, only to return to the same criminal activities.”

In the previous financial year alone, approximately R76,3 million was spent on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacement.

“A message must be sent to the syndicates behind this constant theft that, if caught, you will stay behind bars,” Smith said.

He said he wrote a letter to senior management to request engagement with the police and NPA on formally placing on record the City’s request that bail be opposed in this case.

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