PORT ELIZABETH - 6 CABLE THIEVES FOUND STRIPPING POLES ON THE N2 OPPOSITE BAYWEST MALL

The theft of copper cables is a continuous problem in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and it has serious implications on our electricity and telecommunication infrastructure.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Surveillance Unit and the SAPS work closely together in attempting to curb this problem.

On Thursday, 17 October 2019 at about 22:00, PE K9 unit received information about possible cable theft on the N2 freeway opposite the Baywest Mall.

On response, members met the crew from the NMBM Surveillance Unit who were already monitoring the movement of the suspects. Approximately 6 suspects were busy stripping the cables from two light poles. Sgt Volente Baatjies and her dog ‘Jack’ tactically approached the suspects through the dark dense bushes.

As they neared the suspects, Sgt Baatjies instructed them to stand still however the suspects started fleeing in different directions. Jack was released and he apprehended a 51 year old male. The street poles were damaged and about 10 metres of underground cable was found nearby. The approximate value is R3000.

The suspect was detained on charges of theft and under the Criminal matters Amendment Act (tampering, damage theft of essential infrastructure). He is expected to appear in court on Monday, 21 October 2019.

via - SAPS