Polokwane Municipality makes inroads to stop cable theft
Yet another suspected cable thief was nabbed overnight, confirmed Polokwane Municpality spokesperson Thipa Selala
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality in a statement this morning (February 8) confirmed the arrest of yet another cable theft suspect.
According to the statement the man was nabbed within the Westenburg policing area on Monday evening (February 7). “The municipality received a tip-off about illegal activity in Chroom Street in the industrial area. The suspect was found on the scene in the possession of stripped cables and was detained by members attached to the municipality’s community safety unit.”
The suspect was then handed over to the Westenburg SAPS for further action, the statement reads.
“Another tip-off regarding cable theft was received in the early hours of this morning (February 8) for suspicious activity near the Sand River.”
No arrests were made as the two suspects managed to flee by crossing the river. “Stripped cables and other items were found at the scene.”
Wednesday, last week the municipality also confirmed the arrest of eight suspected cable thieves.
The suspects were apprehended in Polokwane and Seshego, respectively on February 2.
Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala earlier explained that six of the suspects were apprehended in Bendor, one in Flora Park and another in Seshego.
Read more: Community partners with SAPS to arrest copper cable thieves
“The suspects were found in the possession of stripped cables and were handed over to the police,” he said
Review has contacted the police for confirmation that these suspects have been charged. No response has been received.
Selala further added that cable theft is a serious challenge for the municipality and has resulted in huge financial losses and damage to the infrastructure. Residents are urged to report cable theft to the municipality on 015 023 5458, to the SAPS’ 24-hour Crime Stop number on 086 00 10111 or to the Eskom crime line on 0800 11 27 22.
