Suspected cable thieves in cuffs
A scrap dealer who allegedly buys the stolen cables was also arrested.
Two suspected cable thieves were arrested last week after they were found digging along the R23 (Hiedelberg Road) near Dalpark.
It was reported in last week’s edition of the Brakpan Herald how thieves have been active in the area and that about 200 meters of cable have already been removed by criminals.
According to Brakpan SAPS, officers on duty received reports on Friday at around 13:30 of a man digging up cables in the area.
When police arrived, they found two men. The pair ran off when they spotted law enforcement.
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One of the men was apprehended and returned to the dig site where tools, including a spade and a pick, and four meters of copper cables were found. These were seized by police.
The man told SAPS he is from Lesotho and digs for cables to make money. He added there are about 20 diggers.
He also informed police about a scrap dealer in Alberton that buys the cables. A search of the area resulted in the arrest of another man.
It is reported about eight tons of copper cables were found on the premises of the scrap dealer in Alberton. The owner was arrested.
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Police were assisted by the Freedom Front Plus, the Brakpan CPF and a private security company.
“The City of Ekurhuleni, like other metros and municipalities, is under financial pressure and cable thieves who destroy infrastructure cannot be tolerated,” said Freedom Front Plus PR Clr Riaan van Zyl.
“Residents are requested to call their nearest police station immediately if they see such crimes.”
The arrested duo face charges of tampering with infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen property.
