A STASH of copper cables, weighing 56.1kg, and 14 streetlights were found in a Durban home. The items are suspected to be stolen eThekwini Municipality property. Following the discovery, a suspect was arrested by Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation on Monday, April 24.
According to Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, the suspect, Yuvesin Chetty (39), handed himself over at the HAWKS office in Victoria Embankment after an investigation.
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“Members received information about copper cables that were suspected to belong to the eThekwini Municipality. They then applied for a search warrant and proceeded to [the suspect’s house]. A search was conducted, and 56.1 kilograms of burnt copper cables, with a street value of approximately R230K, were found. Members also found 14 streetlights and an electronic scale,” said Mhlongo.
According to Mhlongo, the occupants of the house provided a reasonable explanation regarding the owner of the copper cables, and he was contacted.
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“Yesterday, Chetty handed himself over, and he was charged for possession of property suspected to be stolen and damage to essential infrastructure in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act,” said Mhlongo.
The matter is still under investigation. Chetty appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, and the case was postponed until April 25 for bail application.
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