16/10/2026
CENTLEC SUCCESSFULLY RECOVERS COPPER CABLES IN MULTIPLE OPERATIONS
CENTLEC
Security and Investigations, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security partners, has recorded several operational successes in October 2026 involving the recovery of suspected stolen copper cables and the arrest of suspects linked to alleged tampering with essential infrastructure.
The operations were conducted in Botshabelo and Bloemfontein, including Parkwest, where suspects were apprehended and copper cables were recovered.
The recovered exhibits included approximately 20 metres of overhead copper cable in Parkwest, valued at R30,000; copper cables and metals in Botshabelo, valued at approximately R23,000; and approximately 8 kg of overhead copper cable recovered at Thabo Scrap Metal in Botshabelo, valued at R9,000.
Several suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents, and the recovered exhibits were handed over to SAPS for safekeeping and further investigation. Investigations are ongoing, including efforts to identify outstanding suspects and establish possible links between related cases.
CENTLEC commends the cooperation between its investigators, SAPS, security partners and community members. These operations demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led policing and public cooperation in protecting essential electricity infrastructure against theft and vandalism.
CENTLEC urges members of the public to report suspicious activities involving electricity infrastructure to the relevant authorities.
