Beagle Watch thwarts 2 major Randpark Ridge cable theft incidents in a matter of weeks
Another cable theft incident in Randpark Ridge has drawn attention to the growing threat to local infrastructure and the rising costs associated with repairing damaged lines.
Randpark Ridge has faced a spike in cable theft this week, with two major incidents unfolding within days – one leading to an arrest and another to the recovery of nearly 50 stolen Telkom cables.
In the most recent incident, on November 4, a suspect was caught stealing cables near the corner of Ysterhout Avenue and Molooe Drive. Beagle Watch officers were alerted at around 04:12 after CCTV operators spotted a man dragging a long cable.
Read more: Beagle Watch recovers 48 stolen Telkom cables in Randpark Ridge
Two response vehicles were immediately dispatched, and with the help of Boskruin Residents Association chairperson Craig Pickavance, the suspect was found hiding in an open field nearby. He was apprehended at around 04:16 with an 11m cable in his possession.
Also read: Five arrested for cable theft in Blairgowrie
The man was handed over to Honeydew SAPS and charged with cable theft and damage to infrastructure. Authorities are still investigating whether the stolen cable belongs to Eskom or City Power.
Just a few weeks earlier, in the early hours of October 9, another Beagle Watch officer recovered 48 stolen Telkom cables after spotting a suspicious Toyota Quantum at the corner of Appelblaar Avenue and Ysterhout Drive. “As the officer approached, five suspects jumped into the vehicle and sped away,” said Beagle Watch’s John Magilego. Upon inspecting a nearby manhole, the officer discovered a stash of cables, along with tools, including a hammer, hacksaw, steel pole, chain, and block and tackle, believed to have been used to remove the cables.
No arrests have been made, but police have opened a case and investigations are underway.
Magilego said cable theft has become an increasing concern in the Randpark Ridge area, confirming that patrol visibility and CCTV monitoring will be intensified. “We’re seeing more of these incidents, and it’s clear that teamwork between residents and security is vital in keeping our infrastructure safe.”
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