The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) By-laws Management Unit (BMU) has successfully apprehended three suspects for cable theft and infrastructure damage at the intersection of Bree and Delvers Streets in the Johannesburg CBD.
On Friday, 17 July 2026, BMU officers received a tip-off regarding suspected cable theft in progress. Officers reacted swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered two suspects actively cutting copper cables from an open trench, while a third suspect, the driver of their getaway vehicle waited nearby.
Initial questioning revealed a shocking breach of trust. The suspects were employed by a company contracted to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) to conduct land surveying along Bree Street. Instead of fulfilling their duties, the workers noticed an exposed electrical copper cable in the trench and attempted to steal it.
A subsequent search of their vehicle, a white Renault Kwid, uncovered stolen electrical copper cables hidden in the boot. Additionally, one of the suspects was found in possession of an airgun.
City Power officials were called to the scene and positively identified the cable as City Power property.
The three suspects were arrested and detained at the Johannesburg Central SAPS and are facing charges of Possession of suspected stolen property (copper cable), Malicious Damage to City Council Property (infrastructure)
The white Renault Kwid used in the commission of the crime has been impounded and booked in at the SAPS vehicle pound for further investigation.
The JMPD commends the swift response and diligent work of the BMU officers.
The department reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on infrastructure vandalism and the theft of City resources, especially by individuals entrusted to work within municipal projects. We will continue to safeguard the City’s infrastructure to ensure the safety and service delivery of our residents.
