copper

Gauteng police arrested a man for possession of essential copper infrastructure in Elandsfontein. PHOTO: SAPS

Gauteng war on COPPER theft leads to yet another arrest

Gauteng police have clamped down on cable thieves after arresting a man in possession of Telkom’s copper cables and equipment.

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Gauteng police arrested a man for possession of essential copper infrastructure in Elandsfontein. PHOTO: SAPS

The Gauteng police are continuing to clamp down on cable theft as an operation led to the arrest and recovery of R10 million worth of cables.

A 34-year-old man was arrested in Elandsfontein as he was found in possession of Telkom’s copper cables, said police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello.

COPS TRACE THEFT TIP-OFF

The arrest comes after members of the provincial head office’s firearm, liquor and second-hand goods (FLASH) followed up on information they received. Sello said the officers proceeded to the identified address.

ALSO READ: Fed up City Power intensifies war on relentless cable thieves

“The SAPS members were initially denied access to the company and members of the Ekurhuleni district FLASH office, Essential Infrastructure Task Team and other role players were called for backup.”

Colonel Dimakatso Sello
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Gauteng police arrested a man for possession of essential copper infrastructure in Elandsfontein. PHOTO: SAPS

Once the backup arrived, the team managed to search the business. They managed to recover contact and catenary copper wires which were identified to be the property of Telkom.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela welcomed the recent successes in clamping down those involved in essential infrastructure-related crime.

“It is evident that members of the South African Police Service are committed to fighting the scourge of essential infrastructure-related crime. This type of crime has both an impact on the economy of the country and the livelihoods of its citizens,” Mawela said.

TRUCK LOADS OF STOLEN COPPER CONFISCATED

Meanwihle, Gauteng police nabbed four suspects found in possession of stolen plates of copper.

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Police arrested four suspects after they were found in possession of stolen plates of copper worth approximately R10 million. PHOTO: SAPS

Members of the highway patrol followed up on information about stolen copper in Lenasia on Thursday, Sello said.

ALSO READ: Joburg City Power cable theft an inside job – six arrested

“Upon arrival at the given location, members found a truck with two trailers loaded with plates of copper. Two more empty trailers were found on the premises and further investigation established that the trailer was stolen as a case opened in Kempton Park.

The four are expected to appear before a magistrate’s court soon on charges of possession of stolen property.

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