An alleged copper cable thief was killed in a shoot-out in Pretoria yesterday after a high-speed chase which resulted in police officers recovering 60m of stolen copper cable valued at R60 000.

According to an article published by Pretoria Rekord, police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk says officers from SAPS Erasmia were on the look-out for a suspicious vehicle, believed to be involved in criminal activities within the Brooklyn policing area, on Thursday at about 02:50

“Acting on information, members commenced patrols along the R55.

“While patrolling, officers identified the vehicle, which matched the description provided. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the suspects opened fire on the police.”

Van Dyk says a high-speed chase ensued, with the vehicle heading towards the Mooiplaas informal settlement.

“During the pursuit, the suspects continued shooting at the officers, who retaliated.”

He says the officers immobilised the vehicle by shooting its tyres.

“One of the bullets also struck a suspect through the boot of the vehicle. The injured suspect succumbed to his injuries at the scene.”

Four other suspects fled the scene on foot and remain at large.

Van Dyk says that when searching the vehicle, police discovered three bags full of chopped copper cables, estimated to be 60m long, with an estimated street value of R60 000.

“The vehicle was confiscated and forms part of the investigation to determine whether the vehicle was used in other criminal activities.”

He says later that morning, a person arrived at Pretoria West Police Station saying he was hijacked. He has since been taken in for questioning.

“Cases of attempted murder and tampering with essential infrastructure have been opened and are being investigated.”