| 2024/05/17 |
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Media Statement GQEBERHA – The theft and damage of copper and steel cables impacts on critical services hence police are working diligently to arrest those responsible. It is alleged than on Thursday, 16 May 2024 at approximately 15:15, a member of the community provided information to SAPS Algoa Park Crime Prevention members of a blue VW Polo stationary in Uitenhage Road. Further information indicated that people were busy stealing copper cables and loading it into the vehicle. The members immediately reacted and when the suspects noticed the SAPS vehicle, they drove off. A high-speed chase ensued and in Old Bethelsdorp Road, the vehicle was stopped. Four suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot in different directions. One suspect was arrested, while the other three suspects ran into the bushes in the direction of Salt Lake. During the search of the vehicle, rolls of copper cables were found. The members searched in the vicinity of Uitenhage Road where the vehicle had been parked and discovered approximately 200 metres of overhead cables had been removed (cut). The VW Polo was also confiscated for further investigation. The suspects were detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to essential infrastructure, possession of suspected stolen property and reckless or negligent driving. In another unrelated case, also on Thursday at approximately 08:30, SAPS Kariega members were patrolling Mills Street, Kariega when members of the community informed them that two suspects armed with a panga and a knife threatened them. The members followed up on the information and in Thornton Street, Kariega they arrested the two suspects (36 and 37). They confiscated the dangerous weapons and also confiscated 1.73kg of copper cables. These suspects were detained on charges of possession of dangerous weapons and possession of suspected stolen property.
The suspects will appear in their respective courts within their station precinct, soon.
Enquiries:
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