Edited: Gqeberha police confiscated copper and metal goods with a total estimated value of R20 million that had been stolen from Telkom and Eskom
The SAPS said five bulk sling bags containing copper weighing 2 529.573 kg and eight bulk sling bags containing mixed metal weighing 4 086 kg were seized on 2 September. Acting on info about a truck parked at an overnight truck stop along Uitenhage Road, Algoa Park in Gqeberha, that allegedly was transporting suspected stolen property, police searched the vehicle and found the multiple bulk sling bags containing copper and mixed metal.
Police said two suspects, aged 21 and 43, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. A third suspect, aged 46, was arrested for tampering with, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure, in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act. The truck was also confiscated for further investigation.
The suspects due to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court soon. The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be added as further enquiries are conducted.
The SAPS says: “The recovery is significant as the theft and illegal trade in copper and other essential infrastructure can disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, affect businesses and communities, and result in substantial costs to repair damaged infrastructure.”
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the police members for the successful operation. “This recovery, valued at an estimated R20 million, demonstrates the impact of intelligence-driven policing and strong cooperation with infrastructure owners.
“The theft of essential infrastructure directly affects communities and businesses and causes significant financial losses. We will continue to target those involved in the theft and illegal trade of critical infrastructure and encourage communities to report suspicious activities to the police,” Brigadier Ngalo said .
St Francis Chronicle 