Foreign national caught with stolen batteries
Cell phone tower batteries to the value of R95 000 were recovered.
A 46-year-old Somalian national was arrested at his residence in Morehill, on June 7, after he was found in possession of stolen batteries valued at R95 000.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, spokesperson for the EMPD, a sting operation was conducted at the suspect’s home, after information was received of a robbery at a warehouse in Kempton Park.
“Information indicated that batteries used on cellphone towers, with an estimated value of R16m were stolen,” said Thepa.
“Members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Bronberg Precinct in conjunction with the SAPS Johannesburg Organised Crime Unit arrived at the home at 20:30 and upon investigation found three of the stolen batteries in a vehicle parked outside the home. Two additional batteries along with operation manuals were found inside the home.”
The suspect was arrested on the scene and was transported to the Benoni Police Station for detention.
“The suspect will be appearing in the Benoni Magistrates Court soon,” she said.
“Investigations into the matter are continuing.”
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