By Umamah Bakharia 

Cable theft is lucrative as syndicates have started operating their training schools where newcomers learn how to carry out this crime efficiently.

City Press recently reported that cable thieves are armed to the teeth, some with AK-47s.

Radio Islam discusses this further with the technical adviser to the Southern African Revenue Protection Association, fighting cable theft for years, Rens Bindeman.

Cable theft syndicates have evolved over the years, making it easier and more convincing for people to join.

According to Bindeman, there are central areas where training takes place, including dealing with law enforcement agencies, the practical aspects of the theft and prime locations.

“[These] syndicates saw a big opportunity to make big money,” says Bindeman.

He adds that it is difficult to catch the masterminds behind the syndicate because there are local people that are trained in the theft to carry out the crimes.

“We need much [more] investigation and intelligence systems [in place] to actually look at the bigger picture of the whole syndicate,” says Bindeman.

Since the increase in cable theft, criminals have started hiding the cables in remote areas like farms to avoid law enforcement.

Afterwhich the cables are then sent through containers for trade overseas.