Theft of copper cables have dire negative consequences which poses a serious threat to our infrastructure and impacts largely on service delivery. Continuous efforts are made by Gqeberha K9 unit and the relevant authorities to arrest perpetrators of such theft.
In three separate incidents in the last two days, four suspects were arrested and in some cases, copper cable was confiscated.
In the first incident, at about 00:10 on Thursday morning, K9 unit members arrested a 27-year-old suspect in possession of 3 metres of cable. The members found the suspect busy digging trenches in bushes in Whyteleaf Drive in Algoa Park. The cable was positively identified by the municipality. Damage to the trench is estimated at about R700 000. He was detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen property.
In the second incident, on Thursday, 8 September 2022 at about 09:45, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested after he was found by municipal officials in a manhole (drain) in Lindsay Road in Algoa Park. The suspect could not account for been in the drain and when questioned he started to run away however he was apprehended. Pliers, a hacksaw and 4 metres of copper cable was found in his possession. The suspect was detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of housebreaking implements.
The latest arrests were effected last night, 8 September 2022 at about 20:45 by K9 members. Members were doing foot patrols in bushes in the hotspot area with their dogs in Whyteleaf Drive. As they were walking, they heard voices in the dark. Two men were seen busy digging in the trench. The men were warned to exit the trench however when they refused, K9’s Uzzi and Chucky were released and apprehended both men. The men aged 35 and 37 years old were detained on charges in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – tampering with essential infrastructure. The total damage is estimated over R700 000.
All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata has welcomed the arrests citing that ‘the theft and damage of copper and steel cables hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure hence the South African Police Service embraces the fact that the community and the police are standing together in this fight. Cable theft is a serious problem and police are warning scrap metal dealers who buy these cables that if they are found buying stolen cables, they will be arrested and charged. If we find that they are engaged in illegal activities, we will make sure that their business is closed down. These damages and theft is tantamount to economic sabotage therefore we will make sure that these perpetrators are traced, arrested and convicted. We extend our appreciation to the communities and urge them to continue to provide information on criminals interfering with the infrastructure.
