Three copper cable thieves were arrested while waiting to sell their loot at a scrap yard in Pulley Street in Boltonia on Monday 11 November.
According to Krugersdorp SAPS spokesperson Tshepiso Mashale the men were found in possession of a number of bags filled with copper threads, valued at R27 000.
She says that the South African Police Organised Crime Unit received a tip-off that the men were on their way to the scrap yard.
“Officers from Organised Crime alerted Krugersdorp Sector Police and the joint team made the arrest as the transaction was about to take place.
“Police confronted the suspects who could not produce proof of ownership of the cables,” says Mashale.
All three suspects were due to appear in court on Wednesday 13 November.
Mashale says that police have a good working relationship with most scrap-metal dealers.
Dealers are required to make copies of the identity documents and contact details of all nonferrous metal sellers to help the police’s efforts to combat the growing incidence of cable theft in the country.
Police say copper is the most sought-after metal and criminals also steal taps, gutters, church bells, brass ornaments, geyser piping, manhole covers and brass components from fire hydrants.
Residents are urged to report any incidents of copper theft to sector officers in their area.
