Cable thieves caught red handed
Three men who stole copper cables at Highbury Grounds in Wentworth in broad daylight were arrested and remanded in custody pending their court case.
THREE men were caught stealing cables at Highbury Grounds in Wentworth on Monday afternoon, 5 August. A tip-off from a resident, informing the police, ET Rapid Response securities and the Metro Police assisted in the arrest and detaining of the robbers.
“We received a call at approximately 4.30pm on Monday from vigilant community members saying that a cable theft was in progress. We got to the scene and apprehended the three suspects who were then arrested by the Wentworth police,” said reaction manager for ET Rapid Response, Louis van Ryneveld.
The men were found in possession of stolen cables, a hacksaw, and a metal railing.
Constables Graham Mei and Lindokuhle Mkhize of the Wentworth police were patrolling the area when they responded to the call.
The two police proceeded to the scene on Highbury Grounds in Wentworth where they called the Metro Dog Unit for back-up assistance.
Phumzile Hadebe who sleeps at the grounds said she witnessed the crime and reported it to a resident nearby who then reported the crime. “I felt it necessary to report the crime as I, with so many others, sleep here. The two men, who also stay here, were approached by a notorious man wanted by the police for several other crimes he’s committed. I tried to talk them out of it, but they would not listen,” she said.
In broad daylight, she said, at about 11.30am, they attempted at cutting the cables. “They were done at around 3pm and made their way to one of the change rooms, setting the cables on fire to access copper,” added Hadebe who is now fearful for her life.
Police in Wentworth confirmed the crime.
“Three suspects aged 24, 32, 42 were caught inside the Highbury Grounds change rooms burning copper. They were in possession of an axle blade which they used to cut the plastic coating to access copper from the light poles. A 5 metre copper pipe was also found,” said Capt Mbuso Gumede of Wentworth SAPS.
Items that the men were found with including the burnt copper pipe were seized by the police. They were then taken to the police station and charged for possession of the suspected stolen property.
“About six light poles with electrical cords and boxes were vandalised. The suspects appeared at the Wentworth Court on Tuesday, 6 August and were remanded at Westville prison for seven days pending investigation. They will reappear on Tuesday, 13 August,” Capt Gumede added.
He said that the police will continue patrolling the community grounds as usual in line with crime prevention and anyone found maliciously damaging or stealing municipal property will be arrested and prosecuted by the court of law.
“Stealing municipal, government or private property constitutes a crime and should not happen at all. We appeal to the community to report theft or damage of property in any community grounds or facilities.”
Report crime anonymously to CrimeStop on 086-001-0111 or 101111.
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