Suspect attempts to cover-up stolen copper from police
NORWOOD – The officers' suspicions were proved correct when upon a closer look, they discovered copper cable worth thousands of rands.
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A 60-year-old man was recently arrested after being found with copper with a street value of R10 000 in Norwood.
Norwood Police Station spokesperson Sergeant Eric Masotsha confirmed that the Norwood Crime Prevention Unit arrested the man.
“Norwood Crime Prevention members sergeants Samuel Khang, Ernest Nyalungu and Vusi Vhangani were doing routine regular patrols within the Norwood precinct. At the corner of Louis Botha Avenue and Cheltondale Road, they stopped [a man] who was pushing a trolley carrying a big cream/white bag,” said Masotsha.
The police identified themselves to the man and asked him what the bag contained, to which he replied that he was trying to make a living by collecting empty cans, he added.
The officers proceeded to search the bag and found more than 15m of copper cable wrapped in black plastic. According to the spokesperson, the officers asked the man if he could take them to where he had found it but he could not tell them.
“The officer then explained to the suspect that he was under arrest for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cable. His rights were explained to him and was transported to Norwood holding cells with no visible injuries.
“The exhibit [copper cable] was booked at the station as evidence before a court of law. The suspect will appear soon before the court for prosecution. We again thank our local private security whom we work hand-in-glove within the fight against crime.”
Details: Report crime to 10111 or Norwood police 011 483 4600/14.
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