PORT ELIZABETH - SAPS AIR WING ARREST 3 ELECTRICAL PYLON THIEVES IN BETHELSDORP

The theft of cables and steel from electrical pylons is an ongoing problem across Nelson Mandela Metro however police are working closely with the relevant authorities to curb the problem.

On Tuesday, 17 March 2020 at about 10:30, three suspects aged 29 and 34 years old were arrested by PE K9 members and the metro’s safety and security officers in the bushes in the Bethelsdorp area.

It is alleged that the alarm at an electrical pylon in Standford Road in the Aspen Heights area was triggered. This pylon is erected in very bushy area and access to the pylon was difficult.

The SAPS Air Wing was roped in to assist and Sgt Adriaan Oosthuizen and his dog ‘Max’ spotted the suspects from the police helicopter. As the helicopter landed, the suspects dropped the metal angle irons and surrendered to police.

Nine metal angle irons were removed from the structure. These pylons form part of the support structure to the pylon. A hacksaw was also confiscated.

The suspects were detained under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act (tampering and damaging to essential infrastructure). They are expected to appear in court soon.

Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General Thembisile Patekile commended the collaborative action as  cable theft and damaging/  tampering to essential infrastructure  is a huge problem. “We will continue to work with our partners in ensuring that perpetrators of such a crime are arrested and brought to book. We are also appealing to scrap metal dealers to inform us when these copper cables are brought in for sale,” added Major General Patekile.

via - SAPS