Copper cables worth over 70k recovered in Montclair
A white Isuzu bakkie which was transporting suspected stolen copper in the Queensburgh area was intercepted by police in Montclair.
POLICE recovered copper cables valued at more than R70 000 during a recent sting operation in Montclair. The copper cables were found hidden in multiple white bags in a bakkie.
The driver of the bakkie was arrested at the scene and has been charged with tampering with economic infrastructure and possession of stolen property.
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Police spokesperson for eThekwini District, Captain Carmen Rhynes, said the police eThekwini Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) members were busy with compliance inspections in terms of the Second Hand Goods Act in the Montclair area.
“The members received information of a white Isuzu bakkie that had loaded copper in the Queensburgh area. Members immediately responded and intercepted the vehicle. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, numerous white bags were found inside, as well as in the bin of the vehicle. Upon inspecting the contents of the bags, 500kg of mixed copper cables were recovered, valued at R75 000,” said Rhynes.
The parastatals from eThekwini positively identified these cables as belonging to eThekwini Municipality.
Rhynes said the suspect could not produce documentation as to where or how he acquired the cables.
“Furthermore he could not give a reasonable explanation for being in possession of the cables either. The cables and the vehicle were then seized as exhibits and a case of Tampering with or Damaging Economic Infrastructure and Possession of Stolen Property was opened,” she said.
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eThekwini district commissioner Major General Makhosazana Victoria Kheswa applauded the police for their swift response.
“The protection of our valuable infrastructure in our communities is important to ensure the proper functioning and service delivery of our communities. When our infrastructure is damaged or stripped due to criminal elements, it affects our economy and the everyday operational requirements needed for the smooth running of businesses and life in general,” said Kheswa.
She commended eThekwini District EITT for their continuous commitment to removing criminals and recovering stolen property.
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