DURING the early hours of July 29, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) newly launched Integrated Intelligent Operation Centre (IIOC) Reaction unit arrested five suspects for cable theft.
The stolen copper cables, with an estimated value of R60 000, were already cut into 206 pieces of 2m each.
All five suspects are being detained at Joburg Central Police Station to face prosecution.
MMC for Public Safety Clr Michael Sun said suspicious activity was spotted on the City’s CCTV network by an IIOC operator, who immediately alerted JMPD. The IIOC Reaction Unit was on scene within minutes and gave chase to the suspects who fled in a taxi. The JMPD officers were able to corner the fleeing suspects at the corner of Nugget and Jeppe streets.
“We are seeing criminals after criminals being nabbed in the City as a result of the synergy between our operators in the IIOC and JMPD IIOC Reaction Unit officers on the ground. This is the kind of corroboration we expect when there is a perfect match between technology and policing,” explained Sun.
The IIOC Reaction Unit made over 150 arrests for crimes relating to robbery, hijacking and theft, as well as the possession of unlicensed firearms two months into the operation. The unit, which focuses on crimes through CCTV monitoring specifically in the inner city, was recently able to save a woman from being raped when the incident was spotted on CCTV.
“I want to thank our tireless IIOC operators whom are the unsung heroes in the fight against crime, and our dedicated JMPD officers for their quick response in apprehending criminals,” he said.
ALSO READ:
SAPS urges public to report cable theft
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
