Nelson Mandela Bay scrap metal inspector bust for selling confiscated goods

A Nelson Mandela Bay municipal official tasked with inspecting scrap yards for stolen copper cables was arrested for stealing cables from the evidence storeroom.

The man worked as a second-hand goods inspector at the municipality.

According to the municipality, the official was caught as he was allegedly about to steal copper cables at a municipal storage facility at the Harrower Road depot in Gqeberha. Exhibits and evidence in infrastructure-related cases such as vandalism and theft were kept at the facility.

“Upon receiving the tip-off, our security team followed the suspect, who is a second-hand goods inspector responsible for working closely with SAPS in policing scrap metal dealers for compliance and safeguarding the evidence for ongoing criminal cases,” the municipality said in a statement.

“The official was followed to a scrap metal dealer in Sidwell, where he was seen and recorded selling copper for an amount of approximately R8,500.” 

Police arrested the man, who has now also implicated his colleague, another inspector, in further crimes.

“The officials are also tasked by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to work with SAPS in providing impact statements that assist in the successful prosecutions of offenders,” said the municipality’s acting executive director for safety and security, Shadrack Sibiya.

He said the municipality “strongly condemns this unprofessional and unethical conduct that brings disrepute to law enforcement and the eradication of vandalism and organised crime in our metro and country.

“Members of the public and employees who observe or witness criminal activities in our metro are encouraged to report these to law enforcement agencies for swift action that ensures we reclaim our streets and reduce crime and vandalism in our metro,” said Sibiya.

The theft of copper cables is rampant in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

Read more: Cable theft plunges Nelson Mandela Bay ambulance service into crisis

In July, the Hawks arrested six suspects in Kinkelbos, a traffic checkpoint on the N2 near Gqeberha. According to Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, 300kg of Telkom copper cables with an estimated street value of R600,000 were found on the back of the bakkie.

Read more: Businesses step in to protect Nelson Mandela Bay substations after crippling cable theft

The metro said on Thursday it was committing R16.4-million to its operational budget to boost crime-fighting initiatives. The city is currently in the grip of a violent crime spree. 

“The lack of resources has been a major impediment to our efforts. This funding will make a substantial difference,” said Mayco member Bulelwa Mafaya.

Nelson Mandela Bay police commissioner Andrew Moses highlighted the metro's strategic approach to crime prevention.

“We are moving towards a smart plan of dealing with crime in collaboration with the police and other law enforcement stakeholders. Our plan includes using CCTV cameras, shot-spotter technology, mobile surveillance vehicles, and increased visibility in hotspot areas,” Moses said.

Acting city manager Mandla George addressed the council on plans to reactivate CCTV cameras that have been inactive since a contract with the service provider expired in late 2023.

“An assessment has already been made to check the condition of the existing cameras, and they are still in working order. We are now busy with the supply chain processes to appoint a company to manage the system,” George said.

George was seconded to Nelson Mandela Bay after city manager Nxolo Nqwazi was suspended. Nqwazi is on trial for corruption relating to a multi-million rand toilet tender during the Covid lockdown. DM