Photo for illustrative purpose only
Electricity distributor Erongo RED has launched a region-wide public awareness campaign aimed at mobilising communities in the fight against copper cable theft, warning that the growing crime continues to disrupt electricity supply, endanger lives and place an increasing financial burden on consumers.
The campaign, titled “Be a Copper Theft Stopper,” encourages residents, businesses and community leaders across the Erongo Region to work together by reporting suspicious activities and helping protect critical electricity infrastructure. According to Erongo RED, copper cable theft extends far beyond the loss of valuable materials. Every incident results in widespread power interruptions that affect households, businesses and essential public services, often leaving entire communities without electricity for several hours.
Speaking during a recent stakeholder engagement, Erongo RED Chief Executive Officer Immanuel !Hanabeb said the damage caused by cable theft has far-reaching consequences for electricity users throughout the region. “Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, these practices force Erongo RED to shut down the affected substation to carry out repair work, which can result in other electricity users being deprived of power as they wait for repairs to be completed,” he said.
He explained that replacing stolen copper cables and damaged conductors can take between five and ten hours, and in some cases even longer, leaving all customers supplied by the affected substation without electricity during that period.
Beyond prolonged power outages, the utility warned that vandalised electrical infrastructure poses significant safety hazards. Exposed live wires increase the risk of serious injury or loss of life, while damaged street lighting and traffic management systems can compromise public safety and disrupt daily activities.
Erongo RED also noted that the financial cost of replacing stolen infrastructure ultimately affects consumers, as repair and replacement expenses place additional pressure on electricity tariffs. Through the campaign, the utility hopes to strengthen partnerships with communities and law enforcement agencies to curb the growing problem. Erongo RED is working closely with the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) and is offering incentives for information that leads to the arrest of individuals involved in copper cable theft.
The company assured members of the public that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and that reports can be made anonymously. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling, sending an SMS or WhatsApp message to 081 608 6925 (NAMPOL). Reports can also be made via the toll-free number 96000, by contacting +264 81 144 2373, or by visiting the nearest police station.
Erongo RED stressed that protecting electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility and urged every member of the community to play an active role in preventing theft and vandalism. “The message is clear,” the utility said. “Copper theft affects everyone. Combating this crime requires the collective commitment and cooperation of communities, businesses and all stakeholders.”
With electricity infrastructure playing a vital role in economic development and the delivery of essential services, Erongo RED hopes the campaign will encourage greater public vigilance and contribute to reducing incidents of copper cable theft across the region.
By Rudi Bowe
