Drone surveillance helps nab suspected cable thieves in Minnebron
Brakpan SAPS and local security teams joined forces to stop infrastructure theft near the Van Eck Substation.
An intelligence driven law enforcement operation in Brakpan on Wednesday evening led to the arrest of two suspected cable thieves.
Brakpan SAPS, in collaboration with several stakeholders, formed a multi-disciplinary team intended to tackle cable theft after receiving numerous complaints around the Minnebron area near the Van Eck Substation.
After receiving information that people were digging in the area, a drone was activated and utilised to monitor the area.
“The perpetrators, who were busy digging up the cable, fled the scene after noticing the drone, but the drone operators co-ordinated the ground team to where they were hiding in the bushes,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer.
“The two male suspects were cornered, arrested and detained at the Brakpan Police Station for tampering with essential infrastructure.
“An 8m cable that was freshly dug up, three spades, one pick, three hacksaw blades, and four security devices were confiscated by the police and booked in as exhibits.”
Brakpan SAPS Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo thanked the team of law enforcers and welcomed the success.
He further encouraged unity among stakeholders, and highlighted that it bears fruitfulness. The stakeholders involved were SDS Security, CP Security, AfriForum and Secure Tech Security.
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