POLICE have made a major copper theft breakthrough by busting an alleged theft syndicate stretching between Montclair and Chatsworth.
A targeted sting operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects, aged 33 and 44, found in possession of suspected stolen copper and water infrastructure.
Also read: Theft of cables from trucks on the rise again
The members of the police’s Economic Infrastructure Task Team were conducting an information-driven operation within the Montclair area when they spotted a truck suspected to be carrying illicit copper and water infrastructure.
It is alleged that the truck was coming from the Chatsworth area.
Police spokesperson in the eThekwini District, Captain Carmen Rhynes, said the police eventually stopped the truck.
Also read: Cable theft suspects caught after high-speed chase on The Bluff
Upon searching the truck, police recovered eight bags containing:
- 71.5kg of suspected stolen water fittings,
- Copper pipes and burnt copper cables were found in the truck.
“The stolen items were alleged to be sourced within the Chatsworth area. One suspect aged 33 and a foreign national aged 44 were both arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property and being in possession of burnt copper cables valued at approximately R12 000,” said Rhynes.
eThekwini district commissioner Major General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa commended the members.
“Theft and damage of any infrastructure in our communities is taken very seriously. It poses a great threat to our economy, our businesses and the safety of our communities. It is a serious offence and eThekwini SAPS are committed to prevent and arrest anyone involved in such criminal activities and ensure that they face serious consequences when brought before a court of law,” said Kheswa.
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