LETTER: Rampant cable theft is treason
These acts are propelling the country into an abyss of darkness. They constitute an assault on our democracy
SA risks being classified as a dysfunctional, failed state by international financial and banking institutions due to Eskom’s load-shedding and rampant cable theft. It is an act of treason and sabotage to steal cables during load-shedding. These acts are propelling the country into an abyss of darkness. They constitute an assault on our democracy. The definition of treason under our law includes the coercing of the government by violence into any action or inaction, threatening, or endangering the existence or the security of the republic. Replacing copper cables costs cash-strapped Eskom R1.3bn a year; it costs Transnet and Telkom also large sums to replace stolen cables. The cost to the economy is about R7bn a year. It is time to eliminate this scourge by ruthlessly implementing the law. Dithering is a luxury SA cannot afford as it totters on the brink of a total blackout. The international ratings agencies are watching us. Should we falter, our credit ratings will be downgraded t...
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