Trade in illegal copper has become a big business in South Africa, and everyone agrees that copper cable theft has become endemic. But what is clearly lacking is a coherent plan and strategy to tackle this crime, which is costing the economy billions.

Political analyst Justice Malala recently wrote about what he perceived as a “sickening subversion” of our institutions. This was in reference to the early release of Jackie Selebi and Shabir Shaik, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority dragging its feet on providing the Democratic Alliance with the evidence that led it to the conclusion that it should drop corruption charges against president Jacob Zuma.