Grandi Theunissen, Tshwane’s MMC for Community Safety, has applauded the Cable Theft Unit of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for its extensive efforts to safeguard the city’s infrastructure despite having “limited resources.”
During patrols in the Bronkhorstspruit area on Thursday, the unit came across a property that was being used as a scrap metal dealership.
“When they entered to inspect the premises, they found copper hidden in bags that had clearly been extracted from cables. The owner was unable to provide sufficient proof of ownership,” said Theunissen.
“The suspect also tried to convince officers that he was an Angolan citizen, however, it was later established that he is a 45-year-old South African citizen,” he said.
During the course of the extensive search, two small bags containing suspected drugs were discovered on the premises.
“Considerable amounts of alcohol were also found for which no liquor licence could be produced. When the arrest was effected, the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with R2 660,” said Theunissen.
“Charges of possession of suspected drugs, selling liquor without a liquor licence and bribery were added to the possession of suspected stolen copper on the sheet,” he said.
According to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipal Council, the TMPD’s Cable Theft Unit is a small but dedicated unit that works around the clock to combat the outbreak of cable theft.
“We are working continuously to strengthen their hands and to improve ground-level cooperation with communities in Tshwane, private security companies and the South African Police Service.
“I would like to encourage all residents who notice suspicious activity around the city’s critical infrastructure or possible stolen electrical cables to report it to the TMPD Cable Theft Unit on 012 358 1550,” he said.
Grandi Theunissen, Tshwane’s MMC for Community Safety, has applauded the Cable Theft Unit of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for its extensive efforts to safeguard the city’s infrastructure despite having “limited resources.”
During patrols in the Bronkhorstspruit area on Thursday, the unit came across a property that was being used as a scrap metal dealership.
“When they entered to inspect the premises, they found copper hidden in bags that had clearly been extracted from cables. The owner was unable to provide sufficient proof of ownership,” said Theunissen.
“The suspect also tried to convince officers that he was an Angolan citizen, however, it was later established that he is a 45-year-old South African citizen,” he said.
During the course of the extensive search, two small bags containing suspected drugs were discovered on the premises.
“Considerable amounts of alcohol were also found for which no liquor licence could be produced. When the arrest was effected, the suspect attempted to bribe the officers with R2 660,” said Theunissen.
“Charges of possession of suspected drugs, selling liquor without a liquor licence and bribery were added to the possession of suspected stolen copper on the sheet,” he said.
According to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipal Council, the TMPD’s Cable Theft Unit is a small but dedicated unit that works around the clock to combat the outbreak of cable theft.
“We are working continuously to strengthen their hands and to improve ground-level cooperation with communities in Tshwane, private security companies and the South African Police Service.
“I would like to encourage all residents who notice suspicious activity around the city’s critical infrastructure or possible stolen electrical cables to report it to the TMPD Cable Theft Unit on 012 358 1550,” he said.