Cable Thief Caught Red-Handed While Cutting Streetlight Cables in Komani

A man has been arrested after he was allegedly caught stealing streetlight cables in Komani on Friday, in what the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality says is another incident of infrastructure theft affecting the town.

According to a municipal media release, the suspect was caught by community members while allegedly cutting streetlight cables near the road between Komani Park and Queensview Park.

Community members reportedly intervened and alerted the South African Police Service, who responded to the scene and arrested the suspect. A case of theft and vandalism of infrastructure has been opened.

The municipality said it continues to battle the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure, warning that these crimes lead to power outages, damaged streetlights and leave communities in darkness.

The arrest comes just a week after the Queendustria Substation was vandalised, resulting in widespread power outages across several parts of Komani, including Komani Hospital.

The municipality commended the community members who acted quickly and contacted police, and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure.

Police investigations into the latest incident are continuing.