Copper cable thieves arrested

The unabated efforts of police to fight the theft of copper cables and essential infrastructure resulted in the arrest of six suspects in separate incidents.

On 10 May 2022, Enkangala members at Tshwane East were conducting an operation when they noticed smoke coming from the veld. Upon investigation, members found two men burning copper cables. The two were arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods.

The members proceeded with the operation and raided two scrapyards suspected to be receiving stolen copper cables. Both owners of the scrapyards were arrested after the suspected stolen copper cables were discovered on their business premises. The copper cables were positively identified as that of Eskom.

Meanwhile, members of Crime Intelligence and Gauteng Highway Patrol followed up on information about a man involved in damaging/tempering essential infrastructure in Krugersdorp.

The suspect was observed and accosted at his house where he was found in possession of three power supply batteries, 10 solar panel,s and 68 fraudulent Telkom stickers. The goods are believed to have been stolen from Telkom.

The Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has applauded the members for their vigilance and hard work that led to the arrest of the suspects. “The police stand resolute in fighting crimes related to essential infrastructure and non-ferrous metal as these crimes impacts the sustainability of economic security and growth, said Lt Gen Mawela.