Copper thieves caught in sting

OVERHEAD conductor copper cables were being stolen in KwaZulu-Natal using bamboo poles to which bolt cutters were being attached.

Tall bamboo poles were cut and then used by tying one handle of a pair of bolt cutters to the top of the pole using rubber bands. A rope was attached to the other handle, which was pulled down, having secured the cable by hooking the jaws of the cutters on to it.

Warrant officer Craig Botha explained how the cables were being stolen in an affidavit before the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday, which culminated in the national director of public prosecutions given permission to preserve two bakkies and a sum of R15 516.

The vehicles had been used at a crime scene in Hibberdene in November 2013, to transport suspects and cables, while the cash was from the sale of some of the cables.

Impounded

Kenneth Samuel, a director of public prosecutions, said the vehicles had been impounded and were under the custody and control of the police. By being preserved, the vehicles would be in the control of a court-appointed curator, pending the finalisation of an application for their forfeiture.

Botha said the vehicles had been seized as part of an authorised undercover operation, Project Nuclear, which had investigated the theft of cables in the province by a suspected syndicate.

A total of 26 people had been arrested in relation to the crime and their case was pending in the city’s magistrate’s court. Among them were Omega Phambuka, who owned the now preserved Corsa bakkie, and Bashier Rashid, who owned the Nissan Hardbody.

Phambuka has been charged with the theft of the cables, while Rashid faced additional charges of money laundering and contravening the Second Hand Goods Act.

Two constables had been deployed as shallow undercover agents and managed to conduct controlled deliveries of stolen copper to Afro Metals at Stanger and Phoenix.

During these dealings, they met roleplayers representing Afro Metals, in which Rashid holds 100% membership.

They also managed to infiltrate a new group stealing cables.

The policemen had also received information regarding the plan to go to Hibberdene on October 31, 2013 to scout for cables.