SASOLBURG. – An alleged copper thief remains in custody after he was caught in the act in Zamdela, Sasolburg.
The man aged 19 was caught burning copper cable in an open veld on the R57 near Harry Gwala section.
According to the police, the incident happened on Thursday, April 11, at about 02:45.
Observant police patrolling along the R57 near the Harry Gwala section saw smoke bellowing in the veld.
They then went closer and spotted the young man burning copper cables.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, the suspect tried to flee when approached by the officers.
“The members approached the suspect. When he noticed the police he started to run away, but the police managed to apprehend him,” she said.
“He was taken to the crime scene and the police discovered that the suspect was busy burning copper cable. The suspect was arrested and copper weighing 8,270kg with a street value of about R2000 was confiscated,” added Rani.
