Stolen cell tower batteries recovered
Knysna police have arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of cellphone tower batteries and have also recovered the batteries.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, the operation was part of "continued efforts to eradicate the destruction of valuable telecommunication infrastructure" which led to the recovery of the batteries worth an estimated R150 000.
"This breakthrough was achieved through an integrated intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday 7 July in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay by Eden Cluster crime intelligence gathering (CIG) and Knysna police," Spies said.
"The information was operationalised and led police to a house in Hornlee. Upon searching the premises police found two batteries hidden in a room," Spies explained. "Further investigation resulted in the additional discovery of empty gas cylinders as well as a range of power tools and electrical equipment."
All of these items were also confiscated. "Further leads took the police to separate houses in Concordia and Kwanokuthula where a total of three more batteries, two and one respectively, were confiscated. Subsequently, two suspects were arrested for the possession of suspected stolen items. They are currently in custody and scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court as soon as possible. The possibility that the find could be linked to a recent theft of cellphone tower batteries in Knysna is being probed by the Knysna detective branch."