Cable Theft Suspect Arrested in Queendustria
A suspected cable thief was arrested in Queendustria, Komani, on Friday afternoon after a local business owner intervened and alerted authorities to suspicious activity in the area.
According to information released by the municipality on 13 February 2026, the incident occurred at approximately 12:00 when a business owner noticed three men digging into a section of road using tools. On closer inspection, a deep trench had reportedly been excavated, exposing a municipal electricity cable.
Two of the men fled the scene when confronted. One suspect was detained by the business owner until law enforcement arrived. A criminal case has since been opened, and the suspect remains in police custody.
Mayor Condemns Infrastructure Theft
Madoda Papiyana, Executive Mayor of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, visited the site shortly after the incident and commended the community member for acting swiftly.
He said the municipality remains locked in a daily struggle against electricity infrastructure theft and vandalism. He further stated that the fight extends beyond individuals caught at the scene, adding that those who buy, sell and allegedly coordinate such crimes must also be held accountable.
The Mayor described cable theft as not only a criminal act but one that directly affects residents through power interruptions and service disruptions. He reiterated that the municipality maintains a zero-tolerance approach to infrastructure vandalism.
Ongoing Battle Against Cable Theft
The latest arrest follows a previous case in October 2025, when four Komani residents were arrested in connection with similar offences. That matter is still before the courts.
Cable theft has remained a significant concern in parts of Komani, particularly in industrial and business areas such as Queendustria, where underground and overhead electrical infrastructure is frequently targeted. Theft of municipal cables can result in widespread power outages, costly repairs, and safety risks to residents and workers.
Municipal authorities have urged residents and business owners to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure. This includes tampering with electricity cables, streetlights, water pipes or road signage.
Suspicious activity can be reported to the Municipal Control Room on 045 839 2181, which operates 24 hours a day. Anonymous tip-offs are accepted.
The municipality has indicated that community cooperation remains critical in preventing service disruptions and assisting law enforcement in securing further arrests.
