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Cable theft is ‘treason’, say Fin24 users

The imprisonment of a Telkom cable thief has sparked support from Fin24 users.

Telkom [JSE:TKG] on Sunday revealed that a copper cable thief has received a harsh jail sentence amid an updated criminal law.

In a statement addressing sabotage of Telkom’s national network, the company further said that it had “secured an important legal victory” earlier this year regarding a copper thief case.

READ: Telkom copper thief hit with 25-year jail sentence

The Boksburg Magistrate Court has sentenced Paul Mathonsi to 106 years in jail for his role in a copper cable theft syndicate, said Telkom.

The 106 year concurrent sentence was handed down in April this year as an effective 25 years, added the company.

Subsequently, Fin24 users have expressed their support for the court’s decision.

Fin24 user Albert wrote that their should be a “minimum life sentence” for “economic sabotage”.

Fin24 user Richard wrote:

“Cable theft has become a very serious problem especially to the economy of the country. I think that it is even more important to establish who was buying the stolen copper and send that person or company’s directors to 200 years in jail.”

Fin24 user James said:

“I think the sentence should not be concurrent. He should have the full 106 years Good behavior will get him out. These guys are stealing from the economy.”

Fin24 user Keith said the sentence for copper theft is “totally justified”:

“I worked for Eskom for 22 years and I saw the huge losses in terms of money and even loss of life in copper theft. With light sentences the perpetrators are not discouraged in any way, so this case is a positive step forwards. People need to understand how pricing of everything works in real terms and everyone including the poor need to be taught this, so they can see how crime adds to the cost of everything that we buy and the effective buying power of our money.”
 
Fin24 user Mike wrote:

“Pity it’s only one guy they convicted. This (copper theft from Telkom lines) and theft of traffic light cables is treason. The sentence given (25 years) should be the absolute minimum with no chance of early release (parole).”
 
Fin24 user Des said:

“It is none other than sabotage against the state and should carry the highest possible punishment.” 

Fin24 user John wrote:

“Yes, the government has turned a blind eye to theft in this country for too long, including our copper water pipes. When we were hit several times, the police came, took statement and by the next day the cases were already closed - not even fingerprints were taken as they were too busy-the closed cases make it look good for the police.”

Fin24 user Chris said:

“25 years for cable theft, absolutely. Now catch the dealers buying the copper.” 

Fin24 user Rob wrote:

“Damage to telecommunication infrastructure such as the theft of telkom cables is sabotage and should be treated like crimes such as sedition and treason. For repeat offenders the death penalty should be imposed if it were an option.”

Finally, Fin24 user Anonymous wrote:

“These copper thieves definitely deserve the harshest penalties as it is not only Telkom that loses out when they steal the cables. Many small businesses also suffer.”

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