Suspected copper cable thieves nabbed after tip-off

POLICE arrested two suspects for the possession of stolen copper cable.

“Members seized the copper and arrested two suspects under the Criminal Amendment Act 18 of 2015 and possession of stolen property,” police spokesperson FC van Wyk said. The two suspects are aged 25 and 30. On Friday, police received information regarding suspects who were vandalising Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) rail infrastructure.

Police followed up on the information and with the help of other law enforcement agencies conducted an operation at a premises in Waterberg Road, Heideveld.

An extensive search led to the discovery of large quantities of copper stored in the house.

The suspects were detained at Manenberg police station for further investigation, and are due to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court once charged.

The items seized – after being identified by relevant in-house technicians as rail overhead copper cables – were handed over to Prasa.

Also arrested were four other suspects believed to be in possession of stolen Prasa property which included three mast poles weighing 660kg with an estimated value of R18 000.

They were taken to Elsies River police station and charged.

ALSO ARRESTED WERE FOUR OTHER SUSPECTS BELIEVED TO BE IN POSSESSION OF PRASA PROPERTY