City Power apprehended seven suspects in Johannesburg central with stolen cables from the Bank of Lisbon building on 12 November.
A spokesperson for City Power, Isaac Mangena said the agency’s security guards are part of the teams deployed to protect critical underground tunnels that house valuable equipment, which includes cables.
He said, “City Power security spotted a suspicious Hyundai truck near Helen Joseph Street and attempted to stop it. The truck driver did not stop but sped off. The officers gave chase and the vehicle finally stopped around Braamfontein.”
Mangena added, “Seven suspects were arrested in possession of 48 metres of 120×4-core copper cable, two TV flat screens and 136 circuit breakers. The suspects stated they stole the items at the Bank of Lisbon, the building that caught fire in Johannesburg two months ago.
“One of the suspects is a security guard from Mjayeli Security Services who was deployed at the same building. The police were called and the suspects were taken to Hillbrow Police Station.
“Our inner-city underground tunnels are constantly targeted by criminal elements and we have adapted our security strategy accordingly,” said City Power CEO, Lerato Setshedi.
Setshedi added, “This arrest proves that our electricity copper cable and other components are constantly a target for criminals. However, given our improved efforts to safeguard our tunnels, the crime is now deflected to softer targets. The bravery of our security officers should be commended and working together with law enforcement through the Non-Ferrous Metals Crime Combating Forum and other structures, we shall have these crimes stamped out.”
A case of possession of suspected stolen property and theft has been opened.
Details: www.citypower.co.za
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