KZN Cogta MEC urges tighter security after substation theft arrests
Three suspects were apprehended for theft of copper cables at a local scrapyard in KZN.
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has urged all spheres of government to tighten security around public infrastructure. This follows the arrest of three suspects for theft and vandalism of a substation.
Buthelezi called on municipalities and all spheres of government to tighten security measures around public infrastructure to prevent further acts of sabotage and criminality.
“Protecting our infrastructure is a collective responsibility. Every citizen has a vital role to play in safeguarding the facilities that underpin our daily lives and economic activity,” Buthelezi said.
The suspects were arrested in connection with the theft and malicious damage to an electricity substation in the Mkhazane area in Ulundi, northern KZN, on Sunday.
Law enforcement seized stolen transformer parts from a scrapyard following the arrests of three foreign nationals.
Image: Supplied
The MEC commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ulundi for their prompt response, which led to the arrest.
Three foreign nationals have been apprehended and charged with theft and malicious damage to essential infrastructure, according to initial reports. This follows an operation where the suspects were allegedly in possession of stolen copper cables and transformer components, which were recovered from a local scrapyard. The suspects are expected in court before the end of the week.
Buthelezi commended the swift inter-agency collaboration between the SAPS and Ulundi Local Municipality officials, highlighting their prompt action in response to an incident jeopardising public service delivery.
“We are grateful to the law enforcement agencies and municipal officials for their quick work in ensuring that those who damage critical infrastructure are brought to book. The actions of these suspects severely undermine service delivery efforts and disrupt business operations in the affected areas,” Buthelezi said.
Arrests were made in connection with substation vandalism as stolen components were recovered from a scrapyard.
Image: Supplied
He called upon the public to actively participate in safeguarding community infrastructure.
“We appeal to our communities to report any suspicious activity or individuals responsible for infrastructure damage,” Buthelezi said.
“Municipalities work tirelessly to ensure a stable supply of electricity to homes and businesses. The senseless destruction of this infrastructure has profound and far-reaching economic consequences.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za