A case study of non-ferrous metal theft at a selected mine in South Africa

Abstract

The threat posed by non-ferrous metal theft to industries in South Africa is substantial but is also regarded with indifference. A reason for this view may be that the criminal act is ordinarily not accompanied by violence and the target of the crime is an object that is far removed from the vicinity of the majority of South Africans. Non-ferrous metal theft may sometimes even be erroneously termed a victimless crime. This study endeavours to shed light on the complexities of non-ferrous metal theft and the industrial dangers that may be suffered if this crime is not eradicated. A case study from the mining industry was used to examine the nature and extent of non-ferrous metal theft. A mixed methods approach was followed in terms of which qualitative and quantitative research was done sequentially to provide the best possible representation of the situation. The participant allowed access to data over a six-year period as well as access to mine employees for interviews to assist with understanding the safety and security measures that the mine put in place to protect its workforce. This information led to another realisation, namely that if non-ferrous metal thieves cut an electricity supply line that is critical for life support and transportation in the mine, mineworkers may succumb to the harsh conditions underground. It also became evident that the police and the criminal justice system must develop a better understanding of the seriousness of non-ferrous metal theft. If this does not happen in the near future, managing the consequences of nonferrous metal theft at South African mines will become a mammoth task. Such mines and other industries affected by non-ferrous metal related theft must collaborate with each other and the police in order to understand the nature of the crime and to ensure that the prosecution of the perpetrators is handled properly. These industries should also subscribe to a pragmatic approach to crime prevention whereby various components from different crime prevention strategies are used to address the issues being experienced and whereby a unique crime prevention model for each industry and mining site can be developed.