Safe City cameras lead police to alleged cable thieves

Two men accused of stealing municipal cables and tampering with essential infrastructure appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court this week after one of them was allegedly spotted on Msunduzi’s Safe City CCTV network. Mnqobi Brian Khumalo (27) and Andreas Mlungisi Majola (48) face charges linked to the alleged tampering with, damaging or destruction of essential infrastructure. The pair were allegedly found in possession of municipal cables and a fuse blade last month, with surveillance cameras allegedly capturing one of the accused at the scene before police were dispatched.

The Safe City CCTV network is used by law enforcement and municipal security to monitor crime hotspots across the city. Khumalo told the court he was from Edendale, had no previous convictions or pending cases, and worked as a bolt driver earning about R7 500 a month. He said he had a Grade 12 qualification and intended to plead not guilty.

The state found he was not a threat to the public and he was granted R2 000 bail. Majola abandoned his bail application. The investigating officer from the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team in the uMgungundlovu District told the court that investigations were ongoing, including obtaining CCTV footage, tracing the ownership of the vehicle used in the commission of the offence and taking further statements.

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Msunduzi Municipality has previously warned that vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure continue to severely affect service delivery, often resulting in prolonged power outages, costly repairs and the diversion of resources meant for maintaining essential services. “These criminal acts not only inconvenience residents and businesses but also place lives at risk, particularly where exposed or damaged electrical infrastructure poses safety hazards. “We urge residents to partner with law enforcement agencies and the municipality by reporting any suspicious activities involving municipal infrastructure,” the municipality said.

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