Four Arrested In Belfast For Copper Cable Theft Amidst Calls For Community Vigilance

On 18th March 2023, four suspects aged between 32 and 38 were apprehended in Belfast for tampering with essential infrastructure. The individuals were accused of interfering with vital systems that provide crucial services to the community.

On 19th March 2024, members of the Community Policing Forum, along with officials from the Emakhazeni Local Municipality, were conducting patrols in Belfast and its surroundings.

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They received a tip-off about a group of people involved in the illegal trade of copper cables. The information suggested that the cables were hidden at an old location in Belfast.

The team acted promptly upon receiving the information and proceeded to the specified address. Upon arrival, they discovered copper cables concealed under the beds in four separate rooms.

When questioned about the presence of the cables, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, leading to their arrest and subsequent charges of tampering with essential infrastructure.

Further investigation revealed that two of the suspects were foreign nationals from Zimbabwe, one was from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the remaining suspect was a South African citizen.

On 22nd March 2024, the three foreign nationals appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court for contravening the Immigration Act of South Africa. Two of them were remanded in custody, and all three will face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure in the same court.

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Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has issued a warning against tampering with essential infrastructure.

She emphasized the negative impact such actions have on communities, as they are deprived of vital services. It is crucial for individuals to understand the consequences of their actions and refrain from engaging in such activities.