Amanzimtoti detectives successfully opposed bail for two cable thieves in Amanzimtoti Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 28 March.
The pair were arrested by Toti SAPS on 17 February. Members were on patrol in Amanzimtoti at about 11.15pm when they received a complaint of theft of cables in progress on Kingsway.
“On their arrival, two men were found hiding in a manhole,” said Amanzimtoti SAPS communication officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy.
They were found in possession of cutting tools and cut copper cables to the estimated value of R708,000.
They were arrested and taken to Amanzimtoti police station where a case of theft was opened. Sabelo Mhlongo (28) and Senzo Ntuku (24) were charged and appeared in Amanzimtoti Magistrates Court on 20 February.
The case was remanded for further investigation and the men remained in custody.
Investigating officer Cst Nokukhanya Ndlovu, attached to Amanzimtoti detectives, successfully opposed bail due to the prevalence of this crime and the value of the copper cables.
“The magistrate indicated that the suspects are looking at a sentence not exceeding 30 years imprisonment due to them disturbing the infrastructure of our town and therefore disrupting service delivery to our community,” said Capt Van Der Spuy.
