Councillor Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Social Development and Tourism said: "Metal theft has reached unacceptable levels. The City’s Copperheads unit is doing a good job, but they are stretched to capacity. We need a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to combat the economic crime that is aggravating the problems we face during this challenging economic period.

"Apart from the massive inconvenience and frustration caused to commuters, the stoppage of trains created serious problems for business. While the City is doing everything possible to combat metal theft, we now require the Provincial MEC and Police Commissioner to come up with a practical plan to apprehend these criminals."

He called on new Provincial MEC for Safety and Security, Patrick McKenzie, to urgently support the City’s efforts to combat cable theft and devise a pro-active SAPS policing plan to protect critical installations such as rail transport interchanges and electricity substations.

Cllr Grindrod said: "Thousands of workers were left stranded this morning. Many companies suffered lost production as a result. Cape Town cannot afford further damage to the business sector when many companies are struggling to survive the economic downturn. I am extremely concerned at the negative impact such incidents have on investor confidence and our efforts to improve the local economy and create desperately-needed jobs.

"Metal theft is on the increase across the world. The economic value for thieves is sometimes too good to resist. The cost to the economy of Cape Town is estimated to be several hundred million rand per annum. The metal theft syndicates sell the commodity as scrap, while government and businesses have to replace the copper at a substantially higher value with an added cost of labour and transport.

Issued by: Communication Department, City of CapeTown