Copper cable theft on the rise

Electrical copper cable theft remains a major challenge for Namibia’s electricity industry, and according to the Namibian Police (Nampol), the illegal activity is on the rise.

In response to enquiries, Nampol’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations said that the theft of electrical cables containing copper in Namibia “can be described as an increasing phenomenon”.

Nampol insists that copper cable theft must be treated as a serious national threat to infrastructure. The crime results in vandalism, disrupts service delivery, causes revenue losses for affected industries, and negatively impacts the country’s economy.

“These incidents require a holistic intervention by all stakeholders to curb the escalation of copper cable theft,” the Namibian Police said.

“The cases of theft have indeed increased in recent years, due to demand and high market prices for copper, which are contributing factors to this type of crime,” the police added.

Statistics indicate that the Khomas Region may soon surpass the Erongo Region as the country’s copper cable theft hotspot. In 2025, a total of 272 cases of electrical copper cable theft were reported nationwide, with 78 cases recorded in Erongo, of which 63 led to arrests. By mid-March 2026, six cases had been reported in Erongo, with five arrests made.

In the Khomas Region, 48 cases were reported in 2025, resulting in 41 arrests. However, by 2026, 28 cases had already been reported, with 14 arrests recorded so far this year.

The Kavango East Region was also targeted in 2025, with 37 cases reported and eight arrests made. No cases have been reported there so far in 2026. In contrast, Kavango West, which recorded no cases last year, has reported two cases in 2026 to date.

Countrywide issue

Other regions affected in 2025 included Hardap (23 cases), //Kharas (16), Ohangwena (19), Oshikoto (24), and Otjozondjupa (10). Additional cases were reported in Zambezi (six), Oshana (seven), Omusati (two), and Omaheke (two). No cases were recorded in the Kunene Region in 2025 or thus far in 2026.

In total, 181 suspects were arrested in 2025, while 62 have been apprehended so far in 2026.

Nampol continues to engage stakeholders through coordinated efforts, including public awareness campaigns and education on the dangers and consequences of copper cable theft and vandalism.

“Our strategic approach includes strengthening partnerships with scrap metal dealers and collaborating with stakeholders such as power utilities and the communications industry to gather intelligence and data on theft patterns and modus operandi,” the police said.

Furthermore, Nampol is affiliated with the Southern African Revenue Protection Association (SARPA). A recent regional meeting involving key stakeholders was held in Walvis Bay on 10 March 2026.

“During that meeting, emphasis was placed on infrastructure and copper theft, electricity and water revenue losses, meter tampering, illegal connections, and both organised and non-organised crime affecting utilities,” Nampol reported.

SARPA maintains an active presence in Namibia and South Africa and convenes annual branch meetings, technical workshops, and stakeholder engagements to share best practices and intelligence.

Prosecution

The police also assured that most related cases in Namibia are successfully prosecuted. “Culprits are convicted based on the merits of each case, with penalties ranging from substantial fines to direct imprisonment,” Nampol said.

Although there are no specific penalty provisions for copper cable theft, such offences are prosecuted under common law provisions, including theft, housebreaking and trespassing. Sentences depend on factors such as the type, quantity and value of the stolen material, as well as prior convictions.

In cases involving provisions of the Second-Hand Goods Act (Act 23 of 1998), as amended, penalties may include a fine of up to N$30 000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including fines of up to N$50 000 or imprisonment of up to five years, while a third conviction can result in imprisonment of up to ten years.

Nampol acknowledged that it receives support from stakeholders, but noted that there is still room for improvement. “Collaboration and partnership remain key to enhancing the effective prevention of copper cable theft and related vandalism,” the directorate stated.

The police have also made several recoveries of stolen electrical copper cables. “When recoveries are made, items may be returned to their rightful owners through proper procedures. If ownership cannot be determined, the items may be forfeited to the State and sold at public auction,” Nampol said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of copper cable theft, with assurances that their identities will remain confidential. Electricity utilities are also urged to support law enforcement operations, implement preventative and detection measures such as CCTV, alarm systems, and security patrols, and conduct employee and public awareness campaigns in areas where electrical infrastructure is at risk.