Man jailed for stealing copper cables from De Aar streetlights

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison for tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure after he was caught removing copper cables from municipal streetlight poles in De Aar, Northern Cape.

Leozandrio Beukes was convicted by the De Aar Regional Court after two police detectives caught him tampering with streetlight poles during patrols on June 17, 2026.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the detectives noticed Beukes opening small compartments on the poles and removing electrical copper cables.

The officers watched him before moving in to arrest him after confirming what he was doing.

Beukes attempted to flee but was apprehended with the assistance of a community member.

A search allegedly uncovered copper cables and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses of the De Aar Organised Crime Investigations unit, whose work led to Beukes's successful conviction.

The court also declared Beukes unfit to possess a firearm.

Pixley ka Seme District Commissioner Major General Nomana Mtukushe welcomed the sentence and commended the detectives for their work.

She also thanked the community member who helped police apprehend Beukes.

SAPS said it remained committed to protecting essential infrastructure and combating crime across the Northern Cape.