The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of 26 foreign nationals aged between 25 and 38, for copper cable theft.  The suspects were arrested  last week in Delmas during a collaborative operation between Delmas SAPS and Delmas Colliery Security personnel.

According to the report, police received information about a group of suspects who were allegedly stealing copper cables at Delmas Colliery Mine. The police then acted swiftly and upon arrival at the mine found the men in the act, hence their arrest.

The police further seized two vehicles, a blue VW Golf, a silver Toyota Avanza as well as 105 rolls of copper cables.  The suspects are expected to appear at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 August 2021. The Provincial Commissioner has welcomed these arrests and further commended the efforts of the Delmas Police and the security personnel which yielded positive results

The MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe also welcomed this arrests saying that what is disturbing, is that these economic acts of sabotage, are committed by foreign nationals, who most of them, were given employment opportunities by local mining companies.
“These heinous acts must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Such acts of economic sabotage have a negative impact on private companies, that provides livelihoods to many people across  our country including foreign nationals. Therefore, the police must thoroughly investigate these cases so that the perpetrators, even those who are behind these acts,  face the full might of the law.,” Shongwe insists. 
He once more reminded foreign nationals, to show appreciation to local mines especially those who give them livelihoods, by refraining from criminal activities, once their employment ends or mine shafts close down. 
The MEC is also appealing to mining and other companies in the province, to work closely with police to combat crime. 
“We must all work together to eradicate crime because failure to do so will even affect  investors confidence in our province and the country. This will subsequently impact adversely on the creation of much needed jobs,” Shongwe concluded.