PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Municipality, the police and local law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to combat cable theft and protect critical municipal infrastructure following the arrest of three suspects linked to three separate incidents over the past week.

"These arrests reflect the strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the municipality in addressing a crime that disrupts essential services and places an unnecessary financial burden on residents," the municipality said in a media statement issued on 25 July.

The Southern Cape Police's spokesperson, Warrant Officer Chris Spies, confirmed that the Plettenberg Bay detectives are investigating two men who were arrested on Friday 24 July and appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday 27 July on charges of damage to essential infrastructure.

Another accused had appeared in court earlier in the week on a separate charge of damage to essential infrastructure. He was remanded in custody, and the matter was postponed to 7 August for a formal bail application.

Cable theft remains a persistent challenge for municipalities across the country, often resulting in prolonged electricity outages, costly repairs and damage to critical infrastructure.

Bitou Municipality commended the police and local law enforcement officers' swift response, whose vigilance had led to the successful arrests.

The municipality urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving municipal infrastructure without delay. "Community co-operation is essential in safeguarding public assets and ensuring reliable service delivery for all," it said.

Report incidents of cable theft or suspicious activity to the police by calling 10111.

The municipality reiterated its commitment to working closely with the police and law enforcement to protect public infrastructure and ensure those responsible for damaging essential services are brought to justice.

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