A joint operation resulted in the recovery of stolen municipal property and the arrest of two suspects in Heidelberg on June 7.
The Heidelberg SAPS second-hand goods coordinators, Transnet cable theft investigators and crime-prevention team conducted the operation within the Heidelberg policing area from 09:00 to 14:00.
Sedibeng district media liaison officer Sgt Nombulelo Mohlakoana said the police visited two scrap metal dealers to check for compliance and illegal items according to the Second Hand Goods Act.
“The police arrested a 33-year-old female at a scrap metal dealership situated along Saga Street for possessing stolen properties, including air duck cable identified as Lesedi Local Municipality’s electrical cable,” said Mohlakoana.
He said the cable is estimated to be 20m in length and valued at R3 000.
The team visited another scrap metal dealer along Vaal Street, Bosfontein Plots, and arrested him after cables were recovered in his property.
“The police and Transnet investigators discovered a huge number of copper cables weighing 529kg with an estimated street value of R47 000.
“The copper cables were found hidden under the recycling cans that were scattered on the floor,” said Mohlakoana.
The Sedibeng district commissioner, Maj-Gen Zodwa Molefe, and Heidelberg station commander Col Phiwe Ndwandwe were very pleased with the successful joint operation to reduce cable theft.
The arrested suspects will appear in the Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.
