Copper theft rampant in Tlokweng

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday September 13, 2010 00:00

Most hard hit areas are Masetlheng, Sefhoke and Selokwane in which prime infrastructural developments like Oasis Motel and Morning Star are housed.  'The problem started mid August,' Tlokweng Police Station Commander Lebalang Maniki has said.

Maniki said in many instances the offense is committed through cutting of the copper cable. He confessed that police are yet to figure out how they do it as there is the question of height to consider. However in some incidences electricity poles are dug out to reach to the copper cables, in others underground cables are unearthed.

Maniki urged Tlokweng residents and those in surrounding areas like Modipane and Mokatse, which have recorded three cases each to start cooperating with the Botswana Police Service (BPS), as continued theft will cripple BPC.He also spoke strongly against scrap metal dealers who procure copper without establishing its authenticity.

Just recently two middle-aged men were caught in possession of stolen copper while trying to sell it to one of the scrap metal dealers in Tlokweng. The matter has been brought before the customary court. In another incident, two men have been sentenced to six months in prison for stealing copper cables. However, the sentences have been wholly suspended with both men given five strokes each.

'I don't know why such sentences are suspended because these people are a danger to all forms of development,' Maniki said adding that it is however a court decision and they have to respect it. Previous reports indicate that the theft is not only affecting BTC customers, but is also hitting hard on its finances, as it spends millions of Pula in replacing stolen cables. The thefts have also led to loss of confidence in the market by other service providers who depend on BTC for facilities, like Orange Botswana and Mascom Wireless.

This is not a new phenomenon as over the years areas such as Mogoditshane, Old Naledi, Sir Seretse Khama Airport and Ramotswa have been tormented by theft and vandalism of copper cables.

The scrap metal dealers buy the copper cables and recycle them for re-use in the market, which has attracted thieves to steal the copper cables.

Botswana Police Services has advised scrap dealers to be cautious when buying such metals and should be able to tell where the copper wires are coming from.