TWO suspects were arrested in Prospecton after being found in possession of 4.9 tonnes of copper cables and transformers at an estimated value of R790 000.
Isipingo Police Station’s communications officer Constable Donald Naidoo said on February 5 that members of the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) received information that copper cables, which were stored at a premises in Prospecton, Isipingo, were suspected to be stolen.
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“The [missing] cables were part of essential infrastructure, which amounts to economic sabotage,” he said.
Naidoo said that after following up on information and working tirelessly over a period of 48 hours, SAPS EITT approached the well-known scrap-metal dealer on February 6 and requested permission to search the premises.
“During the search, members found a substantial amount of copper cables and transformers. The dealer was asked to produce the necessary documentation to be in possession of the copper cables, however, they did not have the proper documentation. This resulted in two suspects, aged 40 and 43, being arrested,” he said.
Both suspects were charged and detained for the following: Count 1, tampering with essential infrastructure as per CMA Act 18 of 2015; Count 2, in possession of property suspected to be stolen items as per Section 36 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and Count 3, receiving of suspected stolen property as per Section 37 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
“The SAPS welcomes the arrest and seizure of stolen cables and transformers. This arrest and recovery sends a strong message out to perpetrators that tampering, selling or buying of any stolen economic infrastructure in our communities will not be tolerated, and arrests will follow,” said Naidoo.
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