Rustenburg Municipality Employee Arrested for Alleged Copper Theft Worth Over R80,000

By Philadelphia Tsomele

A Rustenburg Local Municipality employee has been arrested alongside four accomplices after they were allegedly caught with stolen copper cables worth more than R80,000. The arrest, which took place on Sunday, 16 February 2025, marks a breakthrough in the ongoing fight against rampant copper cable theft in the Tsitsing community.

The early morning operation was a coordinated effort involving local community members, Protection Services (Reaction Force), and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The suspects were apprehended in possession of the stolen infrastructure, which has been a major cause of recurring power outages in the area.

For years, Tsitsing residents have suffered prolonged electricity disruptions due to the theft of copper cables essential for power transmission. This latest arrest brings hope for a resolution to the crisis that has left many households and businesses in the dark.

Rustenburg Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Shiela Mabale-Huma, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of more suspects being identified.

Mabale-Huma said the arrest of a municipal employee in connection with the theft has sparked concerns about internal corruption within the municipality. “Authorities are now looking into whether more officials may be complicit in these illegal activities,” said Mabale-Huma.

Local community leaders welcomed the arrests, expressing relief and gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement. They emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and strengthening cooperation between residents and authorities to prevent future infrastructure-related crimes.