Cable theft is a very serious economic offence. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster recognises and treats it as such.
It must be said that there is a very lucrative export market for stolen copper and the reasons for such thefts have absolutely nothing to do with attempts to excite any political organisation. Government is treating this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. But we must also say that it is extremely irresponsible for an hon member to stand here and, by dint of words, tarnish the good names of fellow South Africans and hon members in their own right who are not here to answer for themselves.
The issue of cable theft bears absolutely no relation to the investigation that the hon member is calling for. He starts his argument about one thing and concludes with something absolutely different. That is absolute opportunism. It is done precisely to soil the good names and dignity of the people about whom he is talking. I think that this House should reject it with the contempt that it deserves. [Applause.]