Coppe theft in South Africa has shown a slight decrease between April and May, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry‘s (SACCI) June 2015 copper theft barometer released today.

The copper theft barometer examines copper theft from Eskom, Telkom and Transnet.

Back in April, the barometer level stood at R13.6 million and decreased by 5.38% to R12.9 million in May. In May 2014, this number was 6.1% higher.

The global average monthly spot price of copper also saw a decrease, standing at $5 849 (around R70 000) in May from $6 432 (around R78 000) in April.

To help tackle the issue of copper theft, a cabinet meeting held on 24th June saw the introduction of the Criminal Matters Amendment bill 2015, which was approved for introduction into Parliament.

The amendments have brought with them a few changes to the laws regarding infrastructure-related crimes such as cable and telephone line theft.

The granting of bail and sentencing of offenders has now been tightened, while a new offence to criminalise damage to essential infrastructure caused by tampering or interfering with the functioning of basic services through criminal activity, has been created.

“The Bill, once passed, will ensure that mechanisms are put in place to safeguard infrastructure, in which much needed public investment is placed, to ensure that the country meets its economic growth targets and increased employment,” the SACCI said. “The Bill will now be subjected to the Parliamentary process and stakeholders will be able to comment on it before it is promulgated.”

[Image – CC 2.0 by Tony Hisgett]