On Monday, 19 August, the City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) team acted on a tip-off received on Sunday, 18 August, that stolen copper cables were being kept at a recycling centre in Roodepoort.
GFIS, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Police, worked together to arrest the 37-year-old man who owns the recycling centre, after he was found in possession of stolen copper cables with a street value of R230 000.
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“After receiving the tip-off, a sting operation led by GFIS in conjunction with JMPD and the Police was set up. The property was raided and more than 20 bags full of copper cables were uncovered. City Power officials were then called to the scene and they positively identified the stolen copper cables. An official from Eskom also joined the team and identified cables belonging to Eskom,” said Herman Mashaba, the City of Joburg’s Executive Mayor.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court today, 20 August.
Mashaba explained that the City has introduced a specialised JMPD unit in order to combat the criminal syndicates responsible for cable theft. “The work of combating these syndicates requires the professional approach of a dedicated unit with the knowledge, skills and networks to be effective. For us to win the war against cable theft, a collaborative effort is required from all the role-players involved,” he said, and added that the National and Provincial Government must 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.
The Mayor has urged residents to report any fraudulent or corrupt activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline on 0800 002 587 or to visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
