A Johannesburg Water official and a scrapyard owner were arrested for cable theft on Wednesday, 3 July in Erasmia, west of Tshwane.
This follows a sting operation set up and led by the Hawks in collaboration with the City of Joburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) Infrastructure Protection Unit.
According to a statement from the office of the Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, the stolen cables are valued at R10 000.
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A tip-off was received about cables that were stolen at the Johannesburg Water northern works depot in Diepsloot. Information was also received about a particular scrapyard in the west of Pretoria that is frequented by marked council vehicles. It is alleged that the scrapyard owner accepts stolen goods from City officials.
In order to combat the criminal syndicates responsible for cable theft, the City has introduced a specialised JMPD unit whose exclusive focus will be to target these copper cable syndicates. The work of combating these syndicates requires the professional approach of a dedicated unit with the knowledge, skills and networks to be effective.
Mashaba appealed for the national and provincial governments to step in and ensure that the police work with the specialised JMPD unit to ensure that they crack down on these syndicates, and that suspects who are found to be guilty are not only arrested, but also successfully prosecuted.
“For us to win the war against cable theft, a collaborative effort is required from all the role-players involved. I would also like to encourage people to report any fraudulent and corrupt activities through our 24-hour tip-off hotline on 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein,” Mashaba said.
The suspects were expected to appear in court on Thursday, 4 July where it was said they will be charged for theft.
As this is a developing story, more details will be provided once further information has been obtained.
