08 Apr 2023

A police operation has uncovered a ring of suspected copper cable thieves in Molepolole.

Molepolole police station commander, Superintendent Benedict Matlho, said they arrested eight suspects and confiscated nearly two tonnes of copper wires worth P180 000 and 565 kilogrammes of aluminum metal with the estimated value of P6 000.

In an interview, Superintendent Matlho said the arrests were made between Monday and Tuesday.

He said all the arrested men are linked to a scrap metal dealership at Lesunyana ward in Molepolole.

Superintendent Matlho further said the copper cables were stolen from Botswana Power Corporation network and telecommunications service providers.  

“The rise in number of copper theft which is now a national threat is costing the government millions of pula in replacements and repair of infrastructure nationwide,” said Superintendent Matlho.

He said the police were called into action following a recent surge in theft of copper cables in Molepolole and surrounding villages.

Furthermore, he said the suspects were part of syndicates that targeted different work stations.

Superintendent Matlho said the culprits would be charged for theft of telecommunication equipment, something that could attract a penalty of between P100 000  and P1 million.

“The government has scaled up its efforts to intensify investigations and impose harsher penalties for theft of telecommunications equipment,” noted Superintendent Matlho.  

He also stressed that the alarming cases of copper cables in their policing area was a concern.   Ends