Three suspects were caught red-handed stealing copper cables in the Zuba area, in Umkomaas, on Monday evening.
According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, Umkomaas police officers and private security received and acted on information regarding a group of suspects who were stealing copper cables.
“The team proceeded to Zuba area in Umkomaas where a group of men was spotted cutting and removing copper cables. Three suspects aged between 37 and 39 were placed under arrest. A vehicle with equipment valued at R20, 000 that belonged to Eskom was seized by police. Police recovered copper cables, which belonged to the Ethekwini Municipality. The recovered copper cables are valued at R60, 000,” she said.
Lt Col Gwala added that the suspects appeared in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, Umkomaas police officers received information about a suspect who was in possession of stolen copper cable at the Ilfracombe Railway line and acted swiftly to arrest him, on Monday evening.
“Police proceeded to the scene and a 33-year-old suspect was found in possession of stolen copper cable. The property was positively identified as the property of Eskom valued R3, 000. He was charged for damaging essential infrastructure as well as possession of stolen property,” Lt/Col Gwala added.
The suspect appeared in court.
