KEY POINTS
- A suspected copper cable thief was electrocuted and killed while allegedly attempting to steal live cables in Kariega, Eastern Cape, highlighting the dangers of illegal scavenging.
- Police have appealed for public assistance to identify the deceased, who was found with tools such as a hacksaw and knife, suggesting a premeditated theft attempt.
- The incident underscores South Africa’s ongoing struggle with copper cable theft, which costs the economy billions annually and disrupts essential services, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and community awareness.
In a tragic incident that underscores the dangers of illegal copper cable theft, a suspected thief was found dead in the early hours of Saturday after being electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal live cables in Kariega, Eastern Cape.
The man, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, was discovered near Swartkops Bridge on Algoa Road, leaving authorities scrambling to identify him and locate his next of kin.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, officers responded to a call at 12:05 am and found the man’s lifeless body at the scene.
“On arrival, they found an unidentified man who had been electrocuted and had passed away. It is further alleged that he attempted to steal copper cables. Officers also confiscated a hacksaw, a knife, and a backpack,” Van Rensburg said.
IOL reports that the man was reportedly wearing blue pants and a dark blue jacket at the time of the incident. Investigators believe he was in the process of cutting live cable when he suffered a fatal electric shock.
The tools found at the scene suggest a premeditated attempt to steal copper, a crime that has become increasingly common in South Africa due to the high value of the metal on the black market.
A growing epidemic of copper theft
Copper cable theft has become a significant problem in South Africa, costing the economy billions of rand annually and causing widespread disruptions to essential services such as electricity, telecommunications, and transportation.
The theft of copper cables often leads to power outages, communication breakdowns, and even accidents, as stolen cables are frequently left exposed and live.
The incident in Kariega is just one of many similar cases reported across the country. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to combat copper theft, but the lucrative nature of the crime continues to attract desperate individuals, often with deadly consequences.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from the local community. While some expressed sympathy for the deceased, others highlighted the broader impact of copper theft on society. “It’s sad that someone lost their life, but copper theft affects all of us. It causes power outages, disrupts businesses, and puts lives at risk. Something needs to be done to stop this,” said a Kariega resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Community leaders and activists have called for increased security measures around infrastructure and harsher penalties for those involved in copper theft. “We need a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. This includes better policing, community awareness, and addressing the root causes of poverty that drive people to such desperate acts,” said Thandi Mokoena, a local activist.
