POLOKWANE – Two men aged 29 and 30 have been arrested in Seshego in connection with the tampering and theft of essential infrastructure linked to the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The arrests were made by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit following an incident reported on Wednesday (February 18).

An electrician employed by Polokwane Municipality reportedly received information that a municipal borehole pump near a bridge in Seshego Zone 5B had been tampered with.

When the electrician arrived at the site, he found that the clear-view security fence had been cut to gain entry into the borehole facility.

Further inspection revealed damage to a ventilation wall, which had been broken to access electrical components inside.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says electrical infrastructure, including wiring cables, a variable speed drive (VSD), a control panel and a motor, had been stolen. The estimated value of the stolen items and damage is approximately R35 700.

An investigation by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit on Thursday led to the arrest of the two suspects at separate locations in Seshego.

Further enquiries resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen copper cables at a local scrapyard, where they had been sold.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and emphasised the impact such crimes have on communities.

“Tampering with critical infrastructure disrupts essential services and affects communities. We commend the members for their swift response and investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of stolen property. Police will continue to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.

Investigations are ongoing.