The police uncovered a stash of copper cables. Picture: SAPS
A 28-YEAR-OLD man is behind bars after police officers from the Plooysburg SAPS Crime Prevention unit caught him red-handed with stolen copper cables.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, officers were en route to a farm in Boskamp on February 5 following a report of extensive damage and cable theft when they spotted a suspicious individual carrying a black bag. Acting swiftly, they stopped and searched the man, uncovering a stash of copper cables.
The suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his possession of the cables or prove ownership. Soon after, the farmer, who had reported the theft, positively identified the copper as the stolen property from his farm. The damage to the infrastructure is estimated to be around R300,000.
The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with damaging essential infrastructure. He was expected to appear in the Douglas Magistrate’s Court on February 7.
Pixley ka Seme District’s acting commissioner, Colonel Zoyisile Nyalela, commended the officers for their swift action, emphasising that copper cable theft continues to have a severe impact on both local communities and the economy.
Sergeant Pilane urged residents to report any suspicious or criminal activities by using the MySAPS app or calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.