Infrastructure destruction, suspect arrested with stolen copper cables

South African Police Service

Infrastructure destruction, suspect arrested with stolen copper cables
Infrastructure destruction, suspect arrested with stolen copper cables

The South African Police Services (SAPS) determination to curb the threat posed by ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as essential infrastructure related crimes are paying off. This follows the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect in possession of copper cables with an estimated value of R100 000-00.

Vigilant SAPS members spotted a suspicious vehicle while conducting high visibility crime prevention patrols on 10 August 2020 at about 02:00 in the Mount Fletcher CBD. The members followed the white Toyota Double Cab bakkie without hesitation and noticed the copper cables at the back of the bakkie.

As the driver spotted the marked police vehicle he accelerated and the members chased him up until Mdeni locality in the Kat-Kop area. The vehicle was stopped and the 26-year-old suspect was immediately arrested and the copper cables seized.

The suspect appeared in the Mount Fletcher Magistrate’s Court on 12 August 2020 charged on Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, possession of suspected stolen property and Contravention of Disaster Management Act. He has been remanded in custody until Monday, 17 August 2020 for bail application.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members on their vigilance and quick thinking which led to the arrest and recovery.

“The impact and multitude on economic and socio-economic strain and the continued threat which is the direct outcome of the theft of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and infrastructure related crimes is massive”, said Lt Gen Ntshinga.

SAPS Newsroom

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service