According to the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, copper theft spiked in January 2011, costing R20, 5m.
“These levels are unsustainable and will continue to drive up the costs for consumers and business at a time when both are already challenged by increasing levels of administered prices,” SACCI said in a statement on its copper theft barometer.
Copper cable theft is costing South Africa millions of rands on a daily basis, with the damage done amounting to more than the value of the stolen material. The productivity of public and private business sectors is negatively affected and the impact on the economy as well as the citizens is enormous. Copper theft deprives society of telecommunications, transport and electricity services, it impacts on living standards and drives up the costs of goods and transport.
More challenges are faced when the police apprehend a cable thief, only to find that they cannot prove that the copper in his possession is stolen. It is very difficult to identify the origin of cable once its plastic casing has been removed. As a result, those caught with stolen cables are often charged with being in possession of ‘suspected’ stolen material, a lesser offence than theft.
Significant action needs to be taken to deal with the theft of copper cables. Unless appropriate steps are taken, copper cable theft will continue to weaken economic growth and development in South Africa.
It is against this background that the Copper Cable Theft Conference this conference has been organised. It will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the effects of copper cable theft, challenges faced in the protection of copper cables, policies in place to control copper theft as well as the extent of their implementation. Participants will find this event as an opportunity for networking and interaction.
For further information contact Mogorosi Communications, +27 (0)11 325 2485, [email protected]
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