 A coordinated response by local police and Eskom officials on Tuesday afternoon resulted in the arrest of three suspects for tampering with essential infrastructure and illegal electricity connections in Butterworth.
The operation was launched after authorities received a tip-off at approximately 14:30 regarding unauthorized electrical connections at a business container and a squatter camp along Grab Street, on the route to Skiti Informal Settlement outside Butterworth. Police officers, accompanied by an Eskom representative, swiftly moved to the location to investigate.
Upon inspection, the Eskom official confirmed the presence of illegally installed live wires and two stolen electricity meter boxes. The equipment, suspected to have been taken from another location, was confiscated at the scene. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had cut into a powerline and used the stolen components to establish unlawful electricity connections.
Three male suspects were arrested immediately. Two of them are Ethiopian nationals, prompting authorities to contact immigration officials to verify their legal status in accordance with the Immigration Act.
Authorities have commended the joint effort and reiterated their call for the public to report any incidents of infrastructure-related crimes. The suspects are set to appear before the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, to face charges.
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