Crackdown across the board

CAPE Town’s Metro Police is clamping down on the possession of illegal firearms and copper theft which saw the arrest of at least 12 people over the weekend alone.

Enforcing water restriction by-laws is also a top priority given the drought situation in the Western Cape.

Sixteen car washes in Belhar, Delft and Khayelitsha were visited and a number of fines were issued; hosepipes, drums and car wash equipment were also confiscated.

Metro Police members also discovered one illegal water connection in Delft and the perpetrator was fined.

The City’s Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit said a 27-year-old man was electrocuted in the Malawi Camp informal settlement, Bishop Lavis, when he allegedly tried to steal copper wire.

Principle inspector of law enforcement Wayne Dyason said: “The 27-year-old man was electrocuted after he allegedly tried to take copper wire that was illegally connected to a City light pole. Members of the public are urged not to tamper with any electrical infrastructure as it can have fatal consequences.

“On Sunday we arrested four suspects at approximately 11.15am with suspected stolen Prasa property. It was 13 pieces of mast poles, weighing 660kg and estimated value of R18 000. They were apprehended in Bofors Circle Epping. They were taken to Elsies River SAPS and charged,” Dyason said.

On the same day another man was arrested in possession of 450 dried illegal abalone in Delft.

The City said their Neighbourhood Safety Team (NST) was conducting an