SWIFT action from an Afri Guards security official resulted in the arrest of a copper cable thief in Kenville earlier this week.

Suspicion rose when the guard, who mans the Kenville Railway Station and railway tracks, noticed a vehicle parked close by.

He also saw people walking to and from the vehicle.

This unusual activity awakened his instincts, and he decided to investigate.

As he approached the vehicle, he saw four men loading cables into the boot.

ALSO READ: Men found with R5000 worth of stolen cables in Greenwood Park

“When [the] suspects saw the security officer, they fled in different directions, but the officer managed to apprehend one of the suspects. The vehicle sped off leaving their colleague to face the mighty arm of the law. He was handed over to Greenwood Park Police officers with the stolen property,” said spokesperson for the Greenwood Park SAPS, Captain Jerome Slater.

The 33-year-old man was arrested and detained for the unlawful damage and theft of Transnet property, valued at approximately R63 000.

“Detectives are investigating and profiling the suspect, trying to link him to reported cases. They are also following up on those who fled the scene,” said Slater.

“The bravery and determination shown to apprehend persons who damage vital infrastructure is applauded. It is difficult to patrol railway lines to prevent such thefts and the SAPS really appreciates the efforts security officers make to curb these thefts from happening,” he added.    

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).   You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram