CRIME SCENE: Lotus River, Cape Town: The City of Cape Town has called on the National Prosecting Authority (NPA) and South African Police Service (SAPS) to oppose bail for three alleged cable thieves.

On Monday evening, 20 July 2026 the City’s Law Enforcement officers arrested the three suspects in Plantation Road, Lotus River.

The suspects were caught in the act after being spotted on CCTV. Officers also confiscated a shovel, large knives and a pair of wire cutters.

“Our City is facing an onslaught of cable theft and those accused of infrastructure-related crimes should not be allowed back into our communities while awaiting trial,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

“Cable theft is not a victimless crime. It disrupts essential services, causes widespread inconvenience for residents and businesses, places an enormous financial burden on taxpayers and can compromise public safety.

“Gangsterism, housebreakings, car theft and other crimes flourish in the dark. A message must be sent to the syndicates behind this constant theft that, if caught, you will stay behind bars,” said Smith.

He thanked the communities who are “diligently reporting cable theft to the City”. Any suspected cable theft can be reported to 021 480 7700.