Council Staff Arrested for Cable Theft in Gugulethu

Acting on a tip-off from the community, the City's Non-ferrous Metal Theft Task Team, known as the 'Copperheads', swooped on the Electricity Department's depot on the corner of Lansdowne Road and NY78.

"Following extensive investigations, the team found evidence implicating two permanent City employees, two contract staff and a private security guard in the illegal removal of cable meant for service installations at the Brown's Farm informal settlement," says Cllr Pieter van Dalen, Chairperson of the Copperheads.

Swift action by the investigators resulted in the recovery of copper cable and non-ferrous metal shavings from a scrap dealer in Lansdowne. The loss to the City is estimated to be more than R30 000.

"Video footage obtained from the scrap dealer revealed the alleged mastermind entering the scrap yard in his private vehicle during Council working hours, and receiving payment for the copper cable," says Deon Nefdt, project manager for the Non-Ferrous Metal Theft Task Team.

"The five suspects are currently out on R500 bail each and are due to appear in court soon. All five have been suspended with immediate effect and have been barred from interfering with other City employees at the depot. Further investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected soon," says Nefdt.

Cllr van Dalen thanked the community for their vigilance and urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity to the City's 24 hour cable theft hot line on 0800 222 771 or 021 400 1947.

"We roundly condemn the actions of these City employees which is seriously hampering the delivery of services to the informal settlements. Strict disciplinary steps will be instituted and closer monitoring of depots will be introduced. This is a sign of the City's commitment to sweep before its own door and to demonstrate its seriousness about rooting out this crime.

"We also welcome our constructive partnership with the scrap metal industry which is co-operating with the City in cleaning up the industry," says Van Dalen.

Issued by:
Communication
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201

Media Queries:
Cllr Pieter Van Dalen
Chairman, Copperheads Non-Ferrous Metal Theft Task Team
City of Cape Town
Cell: 083 655 2203

Deon Nefdt
Projet Manager, Non-Ferrous Metal Theft Task Team
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 4819
Cell: 084 233 0013