Police nab copper thieves
JOBURG - Sandringham police arrested three suspects found in possession of presumably stolen copper cable.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said the suspects were arrested on the corner of First and London streets in Rembrandt Park, after police were informed of suspicious behaviour. “Upon arrival police found the suspects with the cable, with a street value of R10 000,” he said.
The suspects are aged between 27 and 29 years. He added that police were investigating the origin of the copper.
Cable theft is estimated to cost the economy R7 billion a year, effecting telecommunications, railway lines, traffic lights and other major economic sectors. The demand for copper in China and India has led to South Africa becoming one of the leaders in illegal copper exports to these countries.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court for possession of presumably stolen goods.
