Between September 27 and 29, the EMPD Eastern Region Cable Theft Unit, in conjunction with the energy department, arrested two men aged 39 and 42 for cable theft and tampering with municipal infrastructure, and also issued fines and reconnection fees in the Brakpan and Benoni areas.

According to the EMPD, officers responded to a complaint of people digging up cables in the Geluksdal area.

Two suspects were caught and arrested while digging up cables and vandalising municipal infrastructure.

Approximately 45m of a freshly dug trench was discovered, with cables missing or stolen.

Only cable sheathing and loose wires were found at the scene.

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In Brakpan, officers conducted a mini-blitz operation targeting illegal connections and the welding of electricity boxes.

Businesses and residents were issued fines to the value of R378 861.

Furthermore, in the Benoni area, seven properties were disconnected, four reconnection fee fines were issued, and one residential property remains disconnected.

Reconnection fees to the value of R25 802 were issued, while payments collected amounted to R182 300.

Both suspects were arrested and detained at Tsakane SAPS and will appear before the court soon.

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