The Tshwane metro police (TMPD) arrested 12 suspected cable thieves following a shoot-out on Thursday.
Spokesperson Senior Superintended Isaac Mahamba said the arrest and shootout occurred in Soshanguve ext. 4.
Mahamba said his cable theft unit responded to a tip-off about suspicious activity taking place.
“Upon arrival, the unit found four men busy digging a trench. When they saw the officers, they started shooting at them and the officers returned fire,” Mahamba said.
He said the officers arrested the four and no one was injured in the shooting.
Mahamba said more information led to the arrest of eight more suspects.
He said all 12 suspects face charges of tampering, damaging essential infrastructure and possession of stolen copper.
“One was also charged for being being in the country illegally,” he added.
Mahamba said all suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Chief of metro police Commissioner Yolande Faro expressed her gratitude to all the officers who worked hard to effect the recent successes.
She vowed that she will be very hands-on in leading the operations that are aimed at combatting crime in Tshwane.
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