By: Justicia Shipena

 

Telecom Namibia’s CEO, Stanley Shanapinda, announced that discussions are underway to ban the second-hand trade of copper and to impose stricter penalties for related offences, including higher fines and longer prison sentences.

The initiative comes in response to the ongoing theft of copper cables, which Shanapinda says is severely disrupting the company’s operations.

“We are considering prohibiting second-hand copper trading and increasing penalty rates, including higher fines and longer prison terms,” he explained.

Telecom Namibia is working closely with law enforcement and the Ministry of Justice to explore stricter measures to combat the growing problem.

Shanapinda emphasised that while copper theft might seem like a minor crime, it has significant implications for essential infrastructure.

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