Buffalo City Municipality Welcomes Arrest of Cable Theft Suspects

BCMM Welcomes Arrest of Cable Theft Suspects in Qonce

Qonce (King Williams Town), Eastern Cape – Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has welcomed the arrest of another suspect linked to cable theft incidents within the Metro, describing it as a positive step in the ongoing fight against infrastructure-related crime.

In a media statement issued by the municipality, BCMM confirmed that a female suspect was arrested in Bhalasi, Qonce, during a joint operation conducted by BCMM Law Enforcement Services and the South African Police Service (SAPS). At the time of her arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a bag containing stolen cables, which were subsequently recovered.

Police investigations are continuing, with SAPS currently searching for three male suspects who are believed to have been working with the arrested suspect. The municipality confirmed that the latest arrest brings the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with cable theft incidents across the Buffalo City Metro to eight.

All suspects arrested so far have been charged under the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, legislation that provides for strict penalties for crimes involving essential infrastructure.

BCMM reiterated that cable theft and vandalism continue to disrupt service delivery, pose safety risks to residents, and place a significant financial burden on the municipality and its communities.

The municipality also acknowledged the role played by residents in reporting suspicious activities, including illegal digging and vandalism of municipal infrastructure. BCMM stated that community cooperation remains critical in curbing cable theft across the Metro.

BCMM further commended the BCM Safety and Security Cluster for establishing a Cable Theft Task Team, which includes various Provincial SAPS units, the BCM Community Safety Forum, and Community Policing Forums. According to the municipality, this coordinated approach has strengthened enforcement efforts and is already producing results.

Residents have been urged to continue reporting cable theft and infrastructure vandalism to SAPS on 10111 or to the BCM Cable Theft Hotline on 043 050 5683.