Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

BUTTERWORTH – Swift action by police led to the arrest of five male suspects aged between 30 and 50 years for tampering with critical infrastructure and illegal electricity connections in the Skiti Informal Settlement outside Butterworth on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.

The arrests followed a tip-off received by patrolling officials about suspicious activity involving unauthorized electricity connections. The team quickly mobilised backup and proceeded to the identified area, where they caught the suspects red-handed, connecting stolen Eskom cables to power supply points.

Approximately 100 meters of Eskom electrical cable, believed to be worth an estimated R30 000, was confiscated on the scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that the cables had been stolen and were being connected for illegal electricity supply in the area. Further inspection, confirmed that one of the electricity meter boxes used had been reported stolen from Tsomo.

The suspects are facing charges relating to tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property. They will appear at Butterworth Magistrate court soon.

End

Enquiries:
Lt. Col Siphokazi Mawisa
0713661907

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