| 2024/11/24 |
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Media Statement
KOMANI – A four-day crime intelligence driven operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects aged between 27 and 37 who are allegedly involved in stealing tower batteries across the province. Members attached to East London Crime Intelligence, Queenstown Public Order Policing, Guerrilla Tactical services received information about suspects who left Gauteng to Eastern Cape to steal tower batteries. The team managed to identify the vehicle and a safe house in Ezibeleni that the suspects were using for criminal activities. A disruptive operation was conducted on Friday 22 November 2024 at Ezibeleni outside Komani, and on police arrival, they found the suspects on the premises. Upon searching the premises, they recovered breaking instruments, grinders, and blades that are allegedly utilized to gain entry from the towers and a vehicle (red polo vivo) used in the commission of crime. On further investigation Police discovered that stolen batteries are being transported to Gauteng. Information suggests that these suspects were in the province for more than a month and can be linked to other theft of tower batteries within the province. However, investigation is underway. The following items were recovered and confiscated by police 11x small grinder steel blades 1 x medium grinder steel blade 4 x large grinder steel blades 2 x large grinder cement blades 1 x grinder, 2 x pliers, 1 x chisin 1 x screwdriver, 1 x side cutter 2 x hammers [1,5kg & 8kg] 1 x number plate [ Reg no HTX 322 EC] 2 x steel saw, 1 x peak 3 x bunch of copper 1 x Rochet socket 2 x Tecno 8 spark cellphone 1 x Sumsang Galaxy cellphone 1 x stylo cellphone Copper During the arrest, they attacked the police who retaliated, injuring one suspect who was taken to the hospital, and he was later discharged. All five suspects aged between 27 and 37 were arrested and charged for theft and possession of possible stolen property. They will appear at Komani Magistrate Court on Monday, 25 November 2024. Ends
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