Copper cable theft has become a prevalent problem in Botswana, causing significant disruptions to telecommunication services and resulting in substantial financial losses for service providers and customers alike.
On Friday, four individuals aged between 22 and 37 years were arraigned before the Mahalapye Magistrate Court, on charges of theft and entering Botswana illegally. The accused, who reside in Tsolamosese, Mogoditshane, allegedly acted together to cut and steal 384 meters of poly-ethaline underground copper cables belonging to the telecommunications utility company, BTC on January 11, 2024, in Thomadithotse ward, Mahalapye. The stolen cables, valued at P43,200, were subsequently recovered by the police. Additionally, it was revealed that the suspects had entered Botswana illegally through the Ramokgwebana border in the North East District. The magistrate remanded the suspects in custody, adjourning the case to January 25, 2024, pending further police investigations.
In a separate incident, police in Serule intercepted a vehicle transporting suspected stolen copper cables worth over P51,000, also belonging to the BTC. The four suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon spotting the police. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to their arrest.
To address this growing scourge, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to combat copper cable theft. The police have issued warnings to the public, urging them to refrain from buying or selling copper cables, as they are likely to be stolen property. Possession of stolen cables is considered a criminal offence, and individuals found out will face prosecution.
Furthermore, the police are actively seeking public cooperation in reporting any suspicious activities related to copper cable theft. By encouraging citizens to provide information that may lead to the arrest of suspects, law enforcement agencies hope to dismantle criminal networks .
The authorities are taking decisive action to combat this issue, warning the public against buying or selling stolen copper cables and urging them to report any suspicious activities.
