The EMPD Cable Theft Task Team arrested a 34-year-old man at around 21:30 last night (Tuesday) in Brakpan for tampering with essential municipal infrastructure.
“Following a suspected cable theft tip-off occurring on the R23, behind a popular shopping outlet, the officers approached a field and saw a group of men digging what appeared to be a trench,” said EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa.
“When the group of men noticed the officers, they started to flee and a chase ensued.
“The officers apprehended one suspect, while the other suspects evaded arrest.
“Upon inspection, officers discovered the suspects were digging where copper cables are located and had dug a trench about 500m in length. It is suspected that the suspects were first digging a trench and thereafter taking out the concealed cable.”
The man was immediately arrested and charged with tampering with essential municipal infrastructure and detained at the Brakpan Police Station.
He is expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court soon.
