K9 Unit members arrest cable thieves

Cable theft is an ongoing problem in Nelson Mandela Bay and hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, at approximately 13:00, Gqeberha K9 Unit members received information about suspects that were busy stealing electrical cables at a National Key Point (Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport). On arrival, the members noticed approximately ten suspect’s busy digging a trench to remove the electric cables. Upon noticing the police, the suspects dropped their tools and fled in different directions. The fleeing suspects were repeatedly warned to stop and when they did not adhere to police instructions, police dogs Mufasa and Bentley assisted in apprehending the three suspects.

They were detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to essential infrastructure.

Various equipment including spades, pickaxes, a panga, knives, cables, scissors, and backpacks was also confiscated.

The suspects aged between 24 and 28 are expected to appear in court soon.