Cable theft costs South Africa approximately R5 billion a year, according to an announcement made by former Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, in November 2013. This may be a very conservative estimate, as cable theft has become a national crisis with serious implications for the country’s economy and security. It disrupts and delays the delivery of essential services such as health, communication and transport. Cable theft interrupts the flow of traffic on the country’s roads, the rail system and even air travel, resulting in increasing levels of public frustration and financial losses to businesses. Hope this helps